Abstract Background: High-risk Human Papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) are the etiological agents of cervical cancer and its preneoplastic lesions. HPV16 and 18 are the most frequent HR-HPV genotypes detected in cervical cancer. HR-HPV genome integration into the host cell is an important event in the carcinogenic process. However, it remains uncertain which stage of cervical carcinogenesis HPV16 and 18 integration occurs in the Chilean population. Aim: The goal of this study was to evaluate HPV16 and HPV18 integration in preneoplastic lesions of the cervix. Methods: DNA was extracted from 108 cervical scrape samples with preneoplastic lesions. HPV was genotyped using PCR and non-radioactive hybridization. The integration status of HPV16 and HPV 18 was determined by evaluating the E2 gene presence through PCR. Results: HPV16 and HPV18 tested positive in 36.1% and 12.0% of samples, respectively. HPV16 was found integrated in 23.1% of HPV 16 cases, while HPV 18 in 100% of samples positive for this viral genotype. Conclusions: HR-HPV integration is an early event in cervical carcinogenesis, occurring in nearly half of preneoplastic lesions and being more frequent in HPV18 than in HPV16. The evaluation of HR-HPV integration can be utilized as a complementary tool for detecting HPV in the Chilean population.

Resumen Introducción: El virus del papiloma humano de alto riesgo (VPH-AR) es responsable del cáncer de cuello uterino y sus lesiones preneoplásicas. Los genotipos VPH16 y VPH18 son los más frecuentes en este cáncer. La integración del VPH-AR en el genoma de la célula hospedera es crucial en la carcinogénesis cervical, pero la etapa en que ocurre en la población chilena es incierta. Objetivo: Evaluar la integración de VPH16 y VPH18 en lesiones pre-neoplásicas de cuello uterino. Métodos: Se analizaron 108 muestras de raspados cervicales. El VPH se genotipificó mediante reacción de polimerasa en cadena (RPC) e hibridación no radiactiva. La integración de VPH16 y VPH18 se determinó por presencia del gen E2 mediante RPC. Resultados: VPH16 y VPH18 se detectaron en 36,1% y 12,0% de las muestras, respectivamente. El VPH16 se integró en 23,1% de los casos de VPH16, mientras que VPH18 se integró en 100% de las muestras positivas para este genotipo. Conclusiones: La integración VPH-AR es un evento temprano en la carcinogénesis cervical que ocurre en casi la mitad de las lesiones pre-neoplásicas y es más frecuente en VPH18 que en VPH16. La evaluación de la integración VPH-AR puede ser una herramienta útil para detectar el virus en la población chilena.

Resumo: No Chile, um em cada dez homens apresenta sinais ou sintomas de depressão a cada ano (MINSAL, 2018; Centro de Estudios de Conflicto y Cohesión Social, 2018). No entanto, tanto no país quanto no restante da América Latina, são poucos os estudos que abordam a depressão masculina a partir de seus aspectos qualitativos e narrativos. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os relatos de depressão em homens e suas referências à masculinidade hegemônica. Foi realizado um estudo qualitativo com entrevistas com cinco homens chilenos que vivenciaram um processo depressivo. Com uma metodologia de relato de vida, foram explorados os processos depressivos em sua biografia. Os resultados mostram que os homens relatam a depressão e seu mal-estar a partir de uma crise ou drama principal, e de acordo com aspectos que interpelam valores da masculinidade hegemônica.

Abstract: Each year in Chile, one in ten men have demonstrated signs or symptoms of depression. (MINSAL, 2018; Center for Conflict and Social Cohesion Studies, 2018). However, both in the country and in the rest of Latin America, there are few studies that address male depression from its qualitative and narrative aspects. The aim of this study was to analyze reports of depression in men and their references to concepts of hegemonic masculinity. A qualitative study was carried out with interviews with five Chilean men who experienced a depressive process. With a life story methodology, the depressive processes in each biography were explored. The results show that men report depression and malaise from a crisis or main drama, and according to aspects that challenge the values of hegemonic masculinity.

Resumen: En Chile, uno de cada diez hombres presenta indicios o síntomas de depresión cada año. (MINSAL, 2018; Centro de Estudios de Conflicto y Cohesión Social, 2018). Sin embargo, tanto en el país como en el resto de Latinoamerica, son escasos los estudios que aborden la depresión masculina desde sus aspectos cualitativos y narrativos. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los relatos de depresión en hombres y sus referencias a los valores de la masculinidad hegemónica. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo con entrevistas a cinco hombres chilenos que habían pasado por un proceso depresivo. Con una metodología de relato de vida, se exploraron los procesos depresivos en su biografía. Los resultados muestran que los hombres narran la depresión y su malestar a partir de una crisis o drama principal y según aspectos que desafían los valores de la masculinidad hegemónica.

RESUMEN En Chile, uno de cada diez hombres presenta indicios o síntomas de depresión cada año. No obstante, tanto en el país como en el resto de América Latina son escasos los estudios que abordan la depresión masculina desde sus aspectos cualitativos y narrativos. El objetivo de este estudio fue, por tanto, analizar la construcción narrativa de la depresión y sus síntomas en hombres, por medio de un estudio cualitativo con entrevistas realizadas entre junio y octubre de 2020 a nueve hombres chilenos que habían pasado por un proceso de esta naturaleza. A partir de una metodología de relato de vida, se exploraron los procesos depresivos en cada biografía, así como los síntomas reportados en cada una de ellas. Los resultados muestran que los hombres experimentan una constelación de síntomas durante una depresión, algunos de ellos atípicos, pues no se corresponden con aquellos descritos en los manuales diagnósticos. Se identificaron tres formas narrativas que fueron denominadas de frustración, de quiebre y de inseguridad.

ABSTRACT: In Chile, one out of every ten men presents signs or symptoms of depression each year. However, few studies within Chile or other Latin American countries address the qualitative or narrative aspects of depression in men. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the narrative construction of depression and its symptoms in men. This qualitative study was based on interviews with nine Chilean men who had gone through an experience of this nature, which were conducted between June and October 2020. A life story methodology was used to explore depressive processes involved in each individual’s biography as well as the symptoms reported in each case. The results show that these men experienced a constellation of symptoms during de- pression, some of which are atypical as they do not match those described in diagnostic manuals. Three types of narratives were identified, and were termed frustration, breakdown, and insecurity.

ABSTRACT: In Chile, one out of every ten men presents signs or symptoms of depression each year. However, few studies within Chile or other Latin American countries address the qualitative or narrative aspects of depression in men. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the narrative construction of depression and its symptoms in men. This qualitative study was based on interviews with nine Chilean men who had gone through an experience of this nature, which were conducted between June and October 2020. A life story methodology was used to explore depressive processes involved in each individual’s biography as well as the symptoms reported in each case. The results show that these men experienced a constellation of symptoms during de- pression, some of which are atypical as they do not match those described in diagnostic manuals. Three types of narratives were identified, and were termed frustration, breakdown, and insecurity.

RESUMEN En Chile, uno de cada diez hombres presenta indicios o síntomas de depresión cada año. No obstante, tanto en el país como en el resto de América Latina son escasos los estudios que abordan la depresión masculina desde sus aspectos cualitativos y narrativos. El objetivo de este estudio fue, por tanto, analizar la construcción narrativa de la depresión y sus síntomas en hombres, por medio de un estudio cualitativo con entrevistas realizadas entre junio y octubre de 2020 a nueve hombres chilenos que habían pasado por un proceso de esta naturaleza. A partir de una metodología de relato de vida, se exploraron los procesos depresivos en cada biografía, así como los síntomas reportados en cada una de ellas. Los resultados muestran que los hombres experimentan una constelación de síntomas durante una depresión, algunos de ellos atípicos, pues no se corresponden con aquellos descritos en los manuales diagnósticos. Se identificaron tres formas narrativas que fueron denominadas de frustración, de quiebre y de inseguridad.

Resumen El presente artículo se propone exponer los resultados de investigación acerca de los malestares subjetivos que aquejan a mujeres migrantes latinoamericanas y caribeñas en Santiago de Chile, expresados por ellas en los talleres de promoción de salud mental. A través de la Sistematización de Experiencia de equipos implementadores de talleres (pertenecientes a dos Universidades), del registro de la participación de las mujeres en los talleres (realizados entre los años 2016 y 2019) y de entrevistas semiestructuradas con cinco de ellas, se analiza el impacto subjetivo que las problemáticas psicosociales que enfrentan en Chile han tenido en las mujeres. Se identificaron cuatro ámbitos de problemáticas en las cuales se inscriben los malestares expresados por ellas, en términos de la sensación de engaño y frustración, sentimientos de menoscabo y fragilidad, así como sentimientos de soledad y vergüenza. Las conclusiones que aquí exponemos buscan aportar al campo de los estudios sobre migración femenina en la región latinoamericana, específicamente a las problemáticas sobre salud mental.

Resumo Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar os resultados da pesquisa da investigação sobre as queixas subjetivas que afligem as mulheres migrantes latino-americanas e caribenhas em Santiago do Chile, expressas por elas em oficinas de promoção da saúde mental. Por meio da Sistematização da Experiência das equipes de implementação das oficinas (pertencentes a duas Universidades), do registro da participação das mulheres nas oficinas (realizadas entre 2016 e 2019) e das entrevistas semiestruturadas com cinco delas, analisa-se o impacto subjetivo que os problemas psicossociais enfrentados no Chile afetaram as mulheres. Foram identificadas quatro áreas problemáticas nas quais se inscrevem os desconfortos por elas expressos, como sentimento de decepção e frustração, sentimento de fraqueza e fragilidade, além de sentimentos de solidão e vergonha. As conclusões que aqui apresentamos buscam contribuir para o campo de estudos sobre a migração feminina na região da América Latina, especificamente para os problemas de saúde mental.

Abstract This article aims to present the research results about the subjective malaise that afflict Latin American and Caribbean migrant women in Santiago de Chile, expressed by them in mental health promotion workshops. Through the Systematization of Experience of teams implementing workshops (belonging to two Universities), the registration of the participation of women in the workshops (carried out between 2016 and 2019) and semi-structured interviews with five of them, it is analyzed the subjective impact that the psychosocial problems faced in Chile have had on women. Four problem areas were identified in which the discomforts expressed by them are inscribed, such as the feeling of deception and frustration, feelings of impairment and fragility, as well as feelings of loneliness and shame. The conclusions that we present here seek to contribute to the field of studies on female migration in the Latin American region, specifically to the problems of mental health.

SUMMARY: The different pathologies of the prostate, involve the presence of a new microenvironment where inflammatory cells are actively recruited. This research explores the presence of mast cells and eosinophils associated with age and the evaluation of prostate cancer progress (Gleason Index). Forty two biopsies of anonymized patients, with confirmed prostate cancer, were used for histological analysis for eosinophils and mast cells and subsequent determination of Gleason index according to age. The results of the histological analyzes show the presence of eosinophils and mast cells in prostate biopsies with confirmed cancer. In the multiple correlation studies, a high correlation was observed between the presence of lymphocytes and the age of the patient diagnosed with prostate cancer, same correlation was observed between the patient's age and higher Gleason Index (Pearson and Spearman p< 0.05). It is concluded that in prostate biopsies from Chilean patients with confirmed cancer, eosinophilia and tissue mastocytosis were observed. Correlation analyzes show a direct correlation between older patients, higher Gleason index and presence of mast cell. Regarding eosinophilia, only a correlation between age and Gleason index was observed Further studies are suggested to determine that the presence of eosinophils and mast cells can be used as early bioindicators of prostate cancer.

RESUMEN: Las diferentes patologías de próstata, involucran la presencia de un nuevo microambiente donde las células inflamatorias son activamente reclutadas. La presente investigación explora la presencia de mastocitos y eosinófilos asociadas a la edad y la evaluación del progreso del cáncer de próstata según índice de Gleason. Cuarenta y dos biopsias de pacientes anonimizados, con cáncer prostático confirmados, fueron utilizadas para su análisis histológico para eosinófilos y mastocitos y posterior determinación del índice de Gleason según edad. Los resultados de los análisis histológicos, muestran la presencia de eosinófilos y mastocitos en biopsias de próstata con cáncer confirmado. En los estudios de correlación múltiple, se observó una alta correlación entre la presencia de linfocitos, mastocitos y la edad del paciente diagnosticado con cáncer prostático, igual correlación se observó entre la edad del paciente y mayor índice de Gleason (Pearson y Spearman p<0,05). Se concluyó que en las biopsias de próstata de pacientes chilenos con cáncer confirmado, se observó eosinofilia y mastocitosis tisular. Los análisis de correlación muestran una correlación directa entre pacientes de mayor edad, índice de Gleason más alto y la presencia de mastocitos. Con respecto a la eosinofilia, solo se observó una correlación entre la edad y el índice de Gleason. Se sugieren estudios adicionales para determinar que la presencia de eosinófilos y mastocitos puede usarse como bioindicadores tempranos del cáncer de próstata.

OBJECTIVES: Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between the generation and elimination of oxidant species. This condition may result in DNA, RNA and protein damage, leading to the accumulation of genetic alterations that can favor malignant transformation. Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus types is associated with inflammatory responses and reactive oxygen species production. In this context, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and high-risk human papillomavirus can act in a synergistic manner. To counteract the harmful effects of oxidant species, protective molecules, known as antioxidant defenses, are produced by cells to maintain redox homeostasis. In recent years, the use of natural antioxidants as therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment has attracted the attention of the scientific community. This review discusses specific molecules and mechanisms that can act against or together with oxidative stress, presenting alternatives for cervical cancer prevention and treatment.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe, based on the perceptions of adolescents and health service staff, the ways in which adolescent boys interact with sexual and reproductive health services, the changes perceived in this area over time, and the Espacios Amigables strategy (‘Friendly Spaces’ for adolescent health) to reach out to boys. Methods An ethnographic, qualitative study was conducted in Friendly Spaces for adolescent and young adult health in five municipalities belonging to Chile's Metropolitan Region. The research methods used were semi-structured interviews (N = 38), discussion groups (N = 5), and participant observation. Results A masculinities perspective was [TN: “un enfoque de masculinidades”. Or simply: “Masculine perspectives were…”] felt to be missing in adolescent sexual and reproductive health care, which is perceived to be an area geared primarily toward females. Most adolescent boys perceive health services as distant and visit them only in case of emergency. Male attendance is low at sexual and reproductive health services in Friendly Spaces within primary health care centers. However, services outside these centers attract boys in larger numbers, for example, one that is exclusively devoted to providing adolescent health care and integrated services in schools. Conclusions Greater provision of adolescent sexual and reproductive health services does not necessarily translate into increased male access. For such an increase to occur, it is important to engage boys in addressing issues that capture their interest, bring health services closer to them, strengthen intersectoral work, and incorporate a masculinities perspectives in their care.

RESUMEN Objetivo Describir, a partir de las percepciones de adolescentes y personal de atención de salud, las formas en que los adolescentes varones se relacionan con la atención de salud sexual y reproductiva, las transformaciones percibidas en este ámbito y las estrategias desplegadas por Espacios Amigables para la atención de salud adolescente para acercarse a ellos. Métodos Estudio cualitativo etnográfico en Espacios Amigables para la atención de adolescentes y jóvenes de cinco municipios de la Región Metropolitana de Chile. Se utilizaron las técnicas de entrevistas semiestructuradas (N = 38), grupos de discusión (N = 5) y observación participante. Resultados Se identifica una falta de perspectiva de masculinidades en la atención de salud sexual y reproductiva en adolescentes, que se percibe como un ámbito enfocado principalmente para el género femenino. La mayoría de los adolescentes varones percibe a los servicios de salud como distantes y acuden principalmente en casos de emergencia. Se identifica una baja asistencia de hombres a servicios de salud sexual y reproductiva en Espacios Amigables ubicados en centros de atención primaria de salud. Sin embargo, aquellos ubicados fuera de estos como, por ejemplo, un centro exclusivo de atención de salud adolescente y servicios integrados en las escuelas, convocan a mayor número de varones. Conclusiones Una mayor oferta de servicios de salud sexual y reproductiva para adolescentes no necesariamente implica un aumento en el acceso de hombres. Para que esto suceda, es importante invitarlos desde temáticas que les resulten de interés, acercar los servicios de salud hacia donde ellos están, potenciar el trabajo intersectorial, e incorporar un enfoque de masculinidades para su atención.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever, a partir das percepções dos jovens e do pessoal de saúde, as formas como os adolescentes do sexo masculino se relacionam com a atenção de saúde sexual e reprodutiva, as transformações percebidas neste âmbito e as estratégias para atenção de saúde do adolescente por espaços amigáveis para o alcance deste grupo. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo qualitativo etnográfico em espaços amigáveis para atenção de saúde de adolescentes e jovens em cinco municípios da região metropolitana do Chile. Foram empregados os métodos de entrevistas semiestruturadas (N = 38) e grupos de discussão (N = 5) e a técnica de observação participante. Resultados Foi verificada a falta de uma perspectiva de masculinidades na atenção de saúde sexual e reprodutiva para adolescentes, que se percebe como sendo voltada principalmente ao sexo feminino. A maioria dos adolescentes e jovens percebe os serviços de saúde como distantes e recorrem a eles sobretudo em situações de emergência. Foi observada pouca assistência ao sexo masculino nos serviços de saúde sexual e reprodutiva em espaços amigáveis situados em unidades de atenção primária à saúde. No entanto, a frequência dos jovens é maior nos espaços localizados fora destas unidades, como em um centro exclusivo de atenção de saúde do adolescente e serviços integrados em escolas. Conclusões Uma maior oferta de serviços de saúde sexual e reprodutiva para adolescentes não implica necessariamente maior acesso do sexo masculino. Para isso, é importante atrair os jovens com assuntos do interesse deles, acercar os serviços de saúde de onde eles estão, reforçar o trabalho intersetorial e incorporar um enfoque de masculinidades à atenção.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) populations have a high prevalence of suicide behaviors. Aim: To review the literature on suicide among LGBT populations. Material and Methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature published between 2004 and 2014 on suicidality among LGBT people was conducted. Forty-five articles were selected for a thematic analysis. Results: The research on suicide among LGBT people has increased during the last decade. The vast majority of studies have been conducted in the U.S. and other English speaking countries. At the same time, in a great part, these studies have been published in journals specializing in mental health and public health of sexual minorities. In general, they provide a significant foundation on protective and risk factors for suicide as well as their epidemiology. Conclusions: The focus of research on suicide among LGBT populations is mainly exploratory. More attention on these at-risk groups is required from the suicide research community in order to provide useful evidence for prevention and development of focalized and effective interventions.

Background: Long term use of ganciclovir (GCV) is associated with acquired resistance to it. Ninety percent of the responsible mutations occur in cytomegalovirus (CMV) UL 97 gene. Aim: To search for these mutations, comparing nucleotide sequences of CMV-positive samples from post transplant and immunocompromised patients receiving GCV, with sequences of CMV isolates obtained from subjects not exposed to the drug. Patients and Methods: Codons 440 to 465 of gene UL 97, in-cluding the most common mutations causing resistance to GCV, were amplifed in 33 plasma samples from patients exposed to GCV and in 15 urine samples of newborns. Both populations and their nucleotide sequences were compared with the prototype strain CMV AD169. Results: Samples of exposed patients had multiple mutations but only one had a mutation associated with clinical resistance (M460I). Eight subjects had the D605E mutation, whose role in resistance is controversial. The remaining 150 mutations were silent mutations. Conclusions: A low frequency of mutations associated with CMV resistance to GCV was found in these exposed and unexposed samples. These mutations may refect coexistence of multiple genetic variants of CMV. The absence of clinical expression of resistance, even with these mutations, can be explained by the use of GCV for a shorter lapse than that associated with the appearance of resistance.

Background: Cervical cancer is the third cause of cancer death among Chilean women, affecting mainly women from low socioeconomic status. Aim: To determine main risk factors (RF) including human papilomavirus (HPV) types associated with abnormal cervical cytology (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance or ASCUS) among Chilean women from low socioeconomic status in Santiago, Chile. Material and Methods: A random population based sample of616 women from La Pintana (a low-income district in Santiago) participated in 2001 in a HPV prevalence study and were re-evaluated in 2006 through a risk factors questionnaire, Papanicolaou test and DNA detection for HPV. The Papanicolaou test was analyzed in Santiago and HPV analysis (PCR_GP5+/GP6+) was conducted in Vrije University, Amsterdam. Cases included 42 women with cervical lesions and controls included 574 women with normal cytology during the period 2001-2006. Logistic regression with uni and multivariate analysis was performed to identify RF for cervical lesions. Results: During the study period, there was a significant increase in the proportion of single women, from 8.3 to 14.8% (p < 0.05), of women with 3 or more sexual partners from 8.9 to 13.3 and of women high risk HPV, from 9.1 to 14.3%. The proportion of abnormal Papanicolaou tests remained stable (3.08 and 3.9% > ASCUS). High risk HPV was the most significant factor associated with cervical lesions (odds ratio (OR) = 9.695%> confidence intervals (CI) = 4.4-21.1) followed by oral contraceptive use (OR = 2.58 95%> CI= 1.2-5.7). Among women infected by high risk HPV, the use of oral contraceptives was a risk factor while compliance with screening was protective for cervical lesions. Conclusions: From 2001 to 2006, there was an increase in the proportion of women with high-risk HPV infections.

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpesvirus associated with serious diseases in immunocompromised subjects. The region between ORF UL133 and UL151 from HCMV, named ULb' is frequently deleted in attenuated AD169 and in highly passaged laboratory strains. However, this region is conserved in low-passaged and more virulent HCMV, like the Toledo strain. The UL146 gene, which is located in the ULb' region, encodes a CXC-chemokine analogue. The diversity of UL146 gene was evaluated among fifty-six clinical isolates of HCMV from Japan. Results show that UL146 gene was successfully amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in only 17/56 strains (30%), while the success rate for UL145/UL147 gene was 18/56 strains (32%). After DNA sequencing, the 35 amplified strains were classified into 8 groups. When compared, variability of UL146 ranged from 25.1% to 52.9% at the DNA level and from 34.5% to 67% at the amino acid level. Seven groups had the interleukin-8 (IL-8) motif ERL (Glu-Leu-Arg) CXC and one group had only the CXC motif, suggesting the absence of the IL-8 function of UL146. In conclusion, we found that UL146 gene of HCMV is hyper-variable in clinical strains from Japan suggesting the possibility of a different function in each sequence group.

Diffuse type gastric carcinoma is the most aggressive type of gastric cáncer. This type of tumor is not preceded by precancerous changes and is associated with early-onset and hereditary syndromes. To test the hypothesis that DNA methylation profile would be useful for molecular classification of the diffuse type gastric carcinoma, DNA methylation patterns of the CpG Island of 17 genes were studied in 104 cases and 47 normal adjacent gastric mucosa by Methylation-specific PCR, Immunohistochemistry and Hierarchical clustering analysis. The most frequent methylated genes were FHIT, E-cadherin, BRCA1 and APC (>50%), followed by pl4, pl6, pl5, p73, MGMT and SEMA3B (20-49%). Hierarchical clustering analysis reveáis four groups with different clinical features. The first was characterized by hypermethylation of BRCA1 and younger age (<45 years oíd), and the second by hypermethylation of pl4 and pl6 genes, male predominance and Epstein-Barr virus infection. The third group was characterized by hypermethylation of FHIT and antrum located tumors and the fourth was not associated with any clinical variables. In normal adjacent mucosa only the p73 gene was significantly less methylated in comparison to tumor mucosa. DNA methylation identified subgroups of diffuse type gastric cáncer. Hypermethylation of BRCA1 associated with young age suggests a role in early-onset gastric carcinoma.

The inactivation of tumour suppressor genes by aberrant methylation of promoter regions has been described as a frequent event in neoplasia development, including lung cancer. The p16 gene is a tumour suppressor gene involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression that has been reported to be inactivated by promoter methylation in lung carcinomas at variable frequencies around the world in a smoking habit dependent manner. The purpose of this study was to investigate the methylation status of the promoter region of the p16 gene in 74 non-small cell lung carcinomas from Chile. The frequency of p16 gene inactivation by promoter methylation was determined as 79.7% (59/74). When we considered histological type, we observed that p16 promoter methylation was significantly higher in squamous cell carcinomas (30/33, 91%) compared with adenocarcinomas (21/30, 70%) (p=0.029). In addition, no association between p16 promoter methylation and gender, age or smoking habit was found (p=0.202, 0.202 and 0.147 respectively). Our results suggest that p16 promoter hypermethylation is a very frequent event in non-small cell lung carcinomas from Chile and could be smoking habit-independent