Prevalence of HPV infection and cervical intraepithelial lesions in HIV positive and negative women in the city of Florianopolis / Prevalência da infecção pelo HPV e lesões intraepiteliais cervicais em mulheres HIV positivas e negativas na cidade de Florianópolis

Introduction: HPV infection is the most frequent sexually transmitted infection in women. The high oncogenic risk HPV, associated with others factors, there are a risk of progressing to a precancerous lesion of the cervix and even cancer. This evolution is related to the persistence of the infection and other factors, mainly those that interfere with the woman's immunity. The immunosuppression caused by HIV infection is an important factor for viral persistence and the appearance of these lesions. Objectives: To compare the prevalence of HPV infection and cervical intraepithelial lesions in HIV-positive and negative women and describe the possible associated risk factors. Methods: The sample consisted of 50 HIV positive women (study group) and 50 HIV negative women (control group) recruited from the public health system of Florianópolis during the months of January to April 2022. Cervical samples were collected for cytological analysis and for detection of high-risk oncogenic HPV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test, with a significance level set at 5% Results: HPV infection was more prevalent in the control group, however, HIV positive women had a higher frequency of intraepithelial lesions diagnosed on cytology. Factors such as greater number of sexual partners, depression and smoking were more frequent in the group of HIV positive women. The number of CD4 T cells less than 200 cels/mm3 was associated with a higher number of altered Pap smears and a positive HPV DNA test. The use of combination antiretroviral therapy and undetectable viral load were associated with a greater number of normal cytology and undetected HPV DNA. Conclusion: The prevalence of cervical intraepithelial lesions in HIV-infected women is higher than in women without infection. The presence of HIV infection was the most important risk factor associated with the development of cervical lesions. (AU)

Introdução: O Papilomavírus Humano (HPV) é a infecção de transmissão sexual mais frequente na mulher. O HPV de alto risco oncogênico, associado a outros fatores, apresenta risco de evoluir para uma lesão pré-cancerosa do colo de útero e até mesmo para o câncer. Essa evolução está relacionada à persistência da infecção e outros fatores, principalmente os que interferem na imunidade da mulher. A imunossupressão causada pela infecção HIV é um fator importante para a persistência viral e o aparecimento destas lesões. Objetivos: Comparar a prevalência da infecção pelo HPV e das lesões intraepiteliais do colo de útero em mulheres HIV positivas e negativas, e descrever os possíveis fatores de risco associados. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 50 mulheres HIV positivas (grupo de estudo) e 50 mulheres HIV negativas (grupo controle) recrutadas no sistema público de saúde de Florianópolis durante os meses de janeiro a abril de 2022. Foram coletadas amostras cervicais para análise citológica e para detecção do DNA HPV de alto risco oncogênico por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). As variáveis categóricas foram comparadas pelo teste qui-quadrado, com nível de significância estabelecido em 5%. Resultados: A infecção pelo HPV foi mais prevalente no grupo controle, entretanto, as mulheres HIV positivas tiveram uma maior frequência de lesões intraepiteliais diagnosticadas na citologia. Os fatores como maior número de parceiros sexuais, depressão e tabagismo foram mais frequentes no grupo de mulheres HIV positivas. O número de células TCD4 inferior a 200 células/mm3 esteve associado a maior número de colpocitologias alteradas e teste DNA HPV positivo. O uso da terapia antirretroviral combinada e a carga viral indetectável estiveram associadas a um número elevado de citologias normais e DNA HPV não detectado. Conclusão: A prevalência de lesões intraepiteliais do colo do útero em mulheres infectadas pelo HIV foi maior que em mulheres soronegativas. A presença de infecção pelo HIV foi o fator de risco mais importante associado ao desenvolvimento de lesões cervicais.Palavras-chave: HPV. HIV. coinfecção. lesões intraepiteliais escamosas cervicais. prevalência.. (AU)

The clinical value of oral robotic surgery in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To explore the therapeutic effects of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and traditional surgical modes in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Methods: The clinicopathological data of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from 2010 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. 135 cases were treated with traditional surgery (non-TORS group), while 52 cases were treated with TORS (TORS group). The prognosis of the two groups of patients were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and Log rank test, the influencing factors were analyzed by Cox regression model. Results: The 2-year overall survival (OS, 94.2%) and 2-year progression-free survival (PFS, 93.8%) of patients in the TORS group were better than those in the non-TORS group (71.4% and 71.4%, respectively, P<0.05). The 2-year OS (93.3%) and 2-year PFS (92.8%) of TORS group patients in T1-2 stage were better than those of non-TORS group (73.1% and 72.8%, respectively, P<0.05). The 2-year OS (95.8%) and 2-year PFS (95.2%) of patients with stage Ⅰ to Ⅱ in the TORS group were not significantly different from those in the non-TORS group (84.1% and 83.9%, respectively, P>0.05). The 2-year OS (92.9%) and 2-year PFS rate (92.7%) of patients with stage Ⅲ to Ⅳ in the TORS group were better than those in the non-TORS group (64.7% and 63.9%, respectively, P<0.05). The 2-year OS (94.4%) of HPV-positive patients in the TORS group was not significantly different from that in the non-TORS group (83.3%, P=0.222). The 2-year OS of HPV-negative patients in the TORS group (94.1%) was significantly different from that in the non-TORS group (43.7%, P<0.001). HPV status was an independent prognostic factor (P=0.008). Conclusions: TORS has a better prognosis in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma compared with the traditional treatment methods. The patients with T1-T2 can achieve better survival benefits after TORS treatment. The HPV-positive OPSCC patients has a better prognosis than that of HPV-negative OPSCC patients, and regardless of HPV status, OPSCC patients in the TORS group could obtain a better survival prognosis.

Carcinoma escamocelular bucal. Caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Oral squamous cell carcinoma. Case report and review of literature

Introducción: el cáncer escamocelular (CEC) representa el 90-95% de todos los tipos de cáncer. En México, la frecuencia de CEC bucal (CECB) se ha incrementado y presenta una incidencia entre el 1 y el 5%. El CECB se asocia con sujetos en la quinta y séptima década de la vida, el sexo masculino, positivos a tabaquismo, alcoholismo, factores genéticos, inmunosupresión, infección por virus del papiloma humano (VPH) y estilos de vida poco saludables, entre otros. El objetivo de este trabajo fue presentar un caso clínico como ejemplo de las características emergentes en un paciente con CECB. Caso clínico: mujer de 38 años, con úlcera indurada, parcialmente adherida a planos profundos y dolorosa, asociada con un aumento de volumen, ubicada en vientre y borde lateral de lengua. Se realizó biopsia y con el diagnóstico histopatológico de carcinoma escamocelular invasor bien diferenciado, se procedió a determinar la presencia delVPH y resultó positivo a VPH 16. Se realizó tratamiento oncológico combinado (quirúrgico-radiación-quimioterapia), con buenos resultados para la paciente respecto a la estética y función. Conclusiones: se analizaron varios estudios que evalúan la presencia del VPH en lesiones de CECB, como un factor de riesgo que involucra con mayor frecuencia casos de pacientes jóvenes, la localización en lengua y antecedentes negativospara tabaquismo y alcoholismo frente a casos de CECB no asociados al VPH. Se requieren datos que contribuyan a dilucidar diversos aspectos aún desconocidos sobre la infección bucal por VPH y su relación con el CECB.

Background: Squamous cell cancer (SCC) represents 90-95% of all types of cancer. In Mexico, the frequency of oral SCC (OSCC) has increased, with an incidence between 1 and 5%. OSCC is associated with subjects in the 5 and 7th decade of life, males, positive for smoking, alcoholism, genetic factors, immunosuppression, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and unhealthy lifestyles, among others. Theobjectiveof thisworkwas to presenta clinical case as an example of the emerging characteristics in a patient with OSCC. Clinical case: 38-year-old female patient, with indurated ulcer, partially adhered to deep planes and painful, associated with an increase in volume, located on the belly and lateral edge of the tongue. A biopsy was performed and with the histopathological diagnosis of well differentiated invasive squamous cell carcinoma, the presence of HPV was determined, resulting positive for HPV-16. Combined cancer treatment was performed (surgical radiation-chemotherapy), with good results for the patient regarding aesthetics and function. Conclusions: We analyzed several studies evaluating the presence of HPV in lesions of OSCC, as a risk factor that involves more frequently cases of young patients, with location in tongue, and negative antecedents for smoking and alcoholism compared to cases of OSCC not associated with HPV. Data are required to help elucidate various still unknown aspects of oral HPV infection and its relationship with OSCC.

Is there correlation between human papillomavirus (hpv) and esophageal epidermoid carcinoma? / Há correlação entre o papilomavírus humano (hpv) e o carcinoma epidermoide de esôfago?

ABSTRACT Background: Currently, persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been related in some geographic regions as a risk factor for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. It results in the immunoexpression of the p16 protein, which has been used as marker of the oncogenic lineage by this etiological agent. Aim: To correlate epidemiological aspects of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with the prevalence of HPV infection. Methods: Fifty-eight cases were analyzed and submitted to histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis by p16. Results: Of the 58 cases evaluated, 40 were men and 18 women, with a mean age of 63.2 years. p16 immunoexpression was positive in 46.55%. Conclusion: The prevalence of HPV infection is high in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma presenting in almost half of the cases (46.55%), without gender differentiation.

RESUMO Racional: Atualmente a infecção persistente pelo papilomavírus humano (HPV) tem sido relacionada em algumas regiões geográficas como fator de risco para o carcinoma epidermoide do esôfago. Ela resulta na imunoexpressão da proteína p16, que tem sido utilizada como marcadora da linhagem oncogênica por este agente etiológico. Objetivo: Correlacionar aspectos epidemiológicos do carcinoma epidermoide do esôfago com a prevalência de infecção pelo HPV. Métodos: Foram analisados 58 casos buscando-se perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes, com suas peças submetidas à análise histopatológica e imunoistoquímica pelo p16. Resultado: Dos 58 casos avaliados, 40 eram homens e 18 mulheres, com idade média de 63,2 anos. A imunoexpressão pelo p16 foi de 46,55%. Conclusão: A prevalência de infecção pelo HPV é alta no carcinoma epidermoide de esôfago apresentando-se em quase a metade dos casos (46,55%), sem diferenciação de idade quanto aos gêneros.

Scale for assessing the quality of life of women with Human Papillomavirus infection / Escala para evaluar la calidad de vida de las mujeres con infección por Papiloma virus Humano / Escala para avaliação da qualidade de vida de mulheres com infecção pelo Papilomavírus Humano

ABSTRACT Objectives: to develop and validate a scale for assessing the quality of life of women with Human Papillomavirus infection. Methods: a methodological study to develop the stages of item elaboration, apparent and content validation, semantic validation, pre-test, item allocation in domains, and reliability. Results: 98 items were elaborated and submitted to apparent and content validation (version 2; n=05). In semantic validation, 90.9% of women considered all items clear and understandable (version 3; n=11). In pre-test, the best applicability was in the form of a self-administered questionnaire in relation to the interview (version 4; n=38). The Exploratory Factor Analysis allocated 58 items in 6 domains; (version 5; n=351). For reliability, the general Cronbach's alpha value was 0.883. Conclusions: the instrument proved to be valid and reliable for assessing the quality of life of women with Human Papillomavirus infection, consisting of 54 items allocated in 6 domains.

RESUMEN Objetivos: desarrollar y validar una escala para evaluar la calidad de vida de mujeres con infección por virus del papiloma humano. Métodos: estudio metodológico para el desarrollo de las etapas de elaboración de los ítems, validación aparente y de contenido, validación semántica, pre-test, asignación de ítems en dominios y confiabilidad. Resultados: se elaboraron 98 ítems, los cuales fueron sometidos a validación aparente y de contenido (versión 2; n=05). En la validación semántica, el 90,9% de las mujeres consideró los ítems claros y comprensibles (versión 3; n=11). En el pretest, la mejor aplicabilidad fue en forma de cuestionario autoadministrado en relación a la entrevista (versión 4; n=38). El Análisis Factorial Exploratorio asignó 58 ítems en 6 dominios; (versión 5; n=351). Para la confiabilidad, el valor alfa de Cronbach general fue 0,883. Conclusiones: el instrumento demostró ser válido y confiable para evaluar la calidad de vida de mujeres con infección por virus del papiloma humano, compuesto por 54 ítems distribuidos en 6 dominios

RESUMO Objetivos: elaborar e validar uma escala para avaliação da qualidade de vida de mulheres com infecção pelo Papilomavírus Humano Métodos: estudo metodológico para desenvolvimento das etapas de elaboração dos itens, validação aparente e de conteúdo, validação semântica, pré-teste, alocação dos itens em domínios e fidedignidade. Resultados: foram elaborados 98 itens, os quais foram submetidos à validação aparente e de conteúdo (versão 2; n=05). Na validação semântica, 90,9% das mulheres consideraram os itens claros e compreensíveis (versão 3; n=11). No pré-teste, a melhor aplicabilidade foi no formato de questionário autopreenchido em relação à entrevista (versão 4; n=38). A Análise Fatorial Exploratória alocou 58 itens em 6 domínios; (versão 5; n=351). Para a fidedignidade, o valor do alfa de Cronbach geral foi de 0,883. Conclusões: o instrumento mostrou-se válido e confiável para avaliação da qualidade de vida de mulheres com infecção pelo Papilomavírus Humano, constituindo-se por 54 itens alocados em 6 domínios.

Immunology of cervical cancer

ABSTRACT Optimal function of the immune system allows the recognition and elimination of infected and tumor cells. However, these cells can develop mechanisms to evade the cellular immune response. In human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, dysregulation of major histocompatibility complex Class I molecules and other components of the innate immune system promote the survival of infected cells by allowing the infection to persist which, in turn, favors the development of cancer. Further, tumor cells possess inherent mechanisms designed to block the recognition and activation of cytotoxic lymphocytes: particularly, HPV proteins such as E1 and E2 and oncoproteins E5, E6, and E7 that inhibit immune mechanisms and/or stimulate the expression of immunosuppressive cytokines. These mechanisms include a decrease in receptor activation and costimulating molecules on the surface of immune cells, as well as the constitutive expression of molecules that inhibit their function, which allow HPV persistence and tumor progression. Immunotherapy-based therapeutic options are positioned as excellent candidates for the treatment of cervical cancer.

Molecular markers for the diagnosis of high-risk human papillomavirus infection and triage of human papillomavirus-positive women

ABSTRACT Infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) increases the likelihood of developing cervical cancer (CC). A plethora of cellular processes is required to produce pre-malignant lesions, which in turn may become malignant if left untreated. Those changes are induced by viral oncoproteins, which represent an ideal target to identify the viral presence, or by some particularities of the host that ultimately promote the establishment of CC. This article describes the different methods used for HPV detection and quantification, as well as the current trend of secondary screening approaches to detect premalignant lesions and CC. In addition, we analyzed validated biomarkers and those under clinical investigation for the classification (triage) of women at risk of developing CC after an initial positive HPV test and that could be used as prognostic biomarkers for CC. The use of molecular biomarkers, together with the detection of HPV DNA sequences, provides a high impact diagnostic and prognostic tool in the detection of patients at increased risk of developing CC and also may guide their clinical management. In addition, some of those biomarkers could represent pharmacological targets for the future design of therapeutic approaches to CC treatment.

Immunonutrition in cervical cancer: immune response modulation by diet

ABSTRACT In the development of cervical cancer (CC), the immune response plays an essential role, from the elimination of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection to the response against the tumor. For optimal function of the immune response, various factors are required, one of the most important being an adequate nutrition. The complex interaction between nutrients and microbiota maintains the immune system in homeostasis and in case of infection, it provides the ability to fight against pathogen invasion, as occurs in HPV infection. The purpose of this article is to describe the role of diet, food, and specific nutrients in the immune response from the onset of infection to progression to precancerous lesions and CC, as well as the role of diet and nutrition during oncological treatment. The immunomodulatory role of microbiota is also discussed. A detailed analysis of the evidence leads us to recommend a nutritional pattern very similar to the Mediterranean diet or the prudent diet for an optimal immune response. Moreover, pre- and probiotics favorably modulate the microbiota and induce preventive and therapeutic effects against cancer.

Therapeutic use of human papillomavirus vaccines in cervical lesions

ABSTRACT Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been associated with the development of precancerous lesions of the cervix and cervical cancer (CC). Prophylactic HPV vaccination induces the development of a specific memory immune response that facilitates HPV elimination once the natural infection occurs. At present, in addition to the prophylactic vaccine, therapeutic vaccines are being developed and researched with the aim of inducing an immune response that allows the elimination of HPV-infected cells. The purpose of this study is to describe the current evidence on the use of therapeutic vaccines and their effect on cervical precancerous lesions, to establish recommendations on their clinical use. So far, the studies that have generated results have described a marginal beneficial effect of the prophylactic vaccine in the management of infection and pre-invasive lesions. Based on the evidence, continuing research on the efficacy and safety of therapeutic vaccines for the treatment of cervical intraepithelial lesions is recommended. The use of the HPV prophylactic vaccine as treatment for pre-existing lesions is not advised, but it is recommended to prevent new lesions.

The contribution of Latin American research to HPV epidemiology and natural history knowledge

Our aim was to review the major contributions of studies conducted in different Latin American (LA) countries to the field of human papillomavirus (HPV) epidemiology, natural history, risk of disease, and prevention strategies, mainly in the uterine cervix. Although cytological screening is established in several countries in LA, incidence and mortality rates from cervical cancer (CC) are still extremely high. Finally, data from large cohort studies conducted in LA countries provided seminal data to propose primary and secondary prevention modalities: the HPV vaccine has been introduced in the national immunization programs of several LA countries and multiple screening experiences using HPV testing are under evaluation in the region.

Correlation of interleukin-18 gene polymorphism with the susceptibility of condyloma acuminatum in Chinese population

ABSTRACT Host immunogenetic setting is involved in the regulation of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and development of condyloma acuminatum (CA). We investigated the correlation of two common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (−607C/A and −137G/C) of IL-18 with the susceptibility of CA in a large Chinese cohort. Out of 408 CA patients analyzed, 300 had HPV infection transmitted through sexual contact (SC) and 108 through non-sexual contact (NSC). In addition, 360 healthy volunteers were enrolled as controls. SNPs at positions −607C/A and −137G/C in IL-18 promoter were analyzed. Comparing CA patients to healthy controls, no dominant relevance was found between the IL-18 promoter −607 C/A or −137G/C polymorphisms and the CA disease either identified genotypically (p > 0.05) or by allelically (p > 0.05). However, the IL-18 promoter −137G/C polymorphism genotype and allele frequencies in the NSC CA group, but not between in the SC group, were significantly higher than in the controls. There was no dominant relevance between IL-18-607C/A polymorphism genotype and allele frequencies among SC, NSC CA patients, and controls. Our study demonstrates that polymorphism −137G/C in IL-18 promoter is significantly correlated with risk of CA in NSC patients.

Instruments for quality of life assessment in individuals with human papillomavirus / Instrumentos para evaluación de la calidad de vida en individuos con papillomavirus humano / Instrumentos para avaliação da qualidade de vida em indivíduos com papilomavírus humano

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify scientific evidence on quality of life measurement instruments used in individuals with infections caused by human papillomavirus. Method: This was an integrative review carried out from April 1995 to March 2017 in the LILACS, SciVerse Scopus, ISI Web of Science, CINAHL, and PubMed databases. The controlled descriptors adopted were: Infecções por Papilomavirus; Qualidade de Vida; Papillomavirus Infections; and Quality of Life. Results: Of the 416 articles found, 12 were selected. Thirteen different types of instruments to evaluate the quality of life of individuals with human papillomavirus were identified, in that nine were generic and four specific. Conclusion: Different generic and specific instruments were used to evaluate the quality of life of individuals with human papillomavirus, which means no consensus or preference among the studies was identified. However, a lack of use of specific instruments to evaluate this construct in this population was observed.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar evidencias científicas sobre los instrumentos utilizados para medir la Calidad de Vida en individuos con infecciones causadas por Papillomavirus Humano. Método: Revisión integrativa realizada entre abril de 1995 y marzo de 2017, en las bases online LILACS, SciVerse Scopus, ISI Web of Science, CINAHL y PubMed. Los descriptores controlados adoptados fueron: "Infecções por Papillomavirus", "Qualidade de vida", "Papillomavirus Infections" y "Quality of Life". Resultados: Fueron hallados 416 artículos, de los que 12 resultaron seleccionados. Se identificaron 13 tipos diferentes de instrumentos para evaluar Calidad de Vida en personas con Papillomavirus Humano, nueve genéricos y cuatro específicos. Conclusión: Identificamos que son utilizados diferentes instrumentos, genéricos y específicos, para evaluar la Calidad de Vida de las personas con Papillomavirus Humano, sugiriendo inexistencia de consenso o preferencia entre los estudios identificados. No obstante, se observa la escasez del uso de instrumentos específicos para evaluación de dicho constructo en esta población.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar as evidências científicas acerca dos instrumentos utilizados para a mensuração da Qualidade de Vida em indivíduos com infecções causadas pelo Papilomavírus Humano. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa realizada no período de abril de 1995 a março/2017, nas bases de dados online LILACS, SciVerse Scopus, ISI Web of Science, CINAHL e PubMed. Os descritores controlados adotados foram: Infecções por Papillomavirus; Qualidade de Vida; Papillomavirus Infections e Quality of Life. Resultados: Foram encontrados 416 artigos, dos quais 12 foram selecionados. Identificaram-se 13 diferentes tipos de instrumentos para avaliar a Qualidade de Vida de pessoas com Papilomavírus Humano, nove genéricos e quatro específicos. Conclusão: Identificamos que diferentes instrumentos, genéricos e específicos, são utilizados para avaliar a Qualidade de Vida das pessoas com Papilomavírus Humano, sugerindo não haver consenso ou preferência entre os estudos identificados. Porém, observa-se a carência no uso de instrumentos específicos para avaliação desse construto nessa população.

Susceptibilidad genética frente al cáncer bucal por infección del virus del papiloma humano / Genetic susceptibility to oral cancer due to human papillomavirus infection

Resumen Los carcinógenos ambientales y el virus del papiloma humano (VPH) son los principales responsables del cáncer bucal. Los factores de susceptibilidad en el genoma humano desempeñan un papel modulador del riesgo, sin embargo, no todos los individuos expuestos a los carcinógenos padecen cáncer. El objetivo de la presente revisión es describir los principales factores de susceptibilidad genética para cáncer bucal en individuos con infección por VPH. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en tres bases de datos en inglés; solo siete artículos cumplieron con los criterios de selección. Se registraron polimorfismos genéticos en tres categorías relacionados con el VPH y que participan en la oncogénesis. Se identificaron tres artículos relativos a la desregulación de los mecanismos de control del ciclo celular, uno relativo a mutaciones en la vía de la apoptosis y tres a polimorfismos en genes de respuesta inflamatoria e inmune. La asociación entre polimorfismos para el desarrollo de cáncer bucal y VPH es evidente, aunque continúa en estudio ya que no siempre el patrón de oncogénesis de las neoplasias bucales está relacionado con el VPH, sino con otros factores ambientales o epigenéticos.

Abstract Environmental carcinogens and human papillomavirus (HPV) are the main responsible factors for oral cancer. Susceptibility factors in the human genome play a risk-modulating role; however not all individuals exposed to these carcinogens suffer from cancer. The purpose of the present review is to describe the main factors of genetic susceptibility to oral cancer due to HPV infection. A systematic search was carried out in three databases in English, with only 7 articles meeting the selection criteria. Genetic polymorphisms are shown in three categories, which are related to HPV and participate in oncogenesis. Three articles related to deregulation of cell cycle control mechanisms were identified, as well as one referring to mutations in the apoptosis pathway and three about polymorphisms in inflammatory and immune response genes. The association of polymorphisms for the development of oral cancer by HPV is evident, although it remains under study. Oral neoplasms’ oncogenesis pattern is not always associated with HPV, but with other environmental or epigenetic factors.

LncRNA CASC11 promotes the cervical cancer progression by activating Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that cancer susceptibility candidate 11 (CASC11), a newly discovered long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), was aberrantly overexpressed in hepatic carcinoma, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. However, its effects on cervical cancer has been kept unknown up to now. The present study was aimed to investigate the relationship between lncRNA CASC11 and cervical cancer and further explore the mechanism of CASC11 effect on cervical cancer progression. MATERIALS: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expressions of CASC11 in cancerous and adjacent normal tissues of patients with cervical cancer as well as in cell lines. The proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were assayed after transfecting the cell with si-CASC11 or pcDNA3.1-CASC11. TOP/FOP-Flash luciferase reporter assay and western blot were used to analysis the activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. Si-CASC11-transfected HeLa cells were subcutaneously inoculated into male athymic (nude) mice to investigate the effect of CASC11 on the tumor formation. RESULTS: We discovered that CASC11, the expression of which was positively associated with the tumor size and the FIGO staging and negatively related to the patients' survival rate, was up-regulated in the cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Silencing CASC11 inhibited the proliferation, migration as well as invasion and promoted the cell apoptosis. Conversely, overexpression of CASC11 facilitated the cancer cell's proliferation, migration and invasion ability and suppressed the apoptosis. Further study showed that CASC11 promoted the migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells by activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway and silencing CASC11 inhibited the tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that CASC11 promoted the cervical cancer progression by activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway for the first time, which provides a new target or a potential diagnostic biomarker of the treatment for cervical cancer.

Analysis of the application values of different combination schemes of liquid-based cytology and high-risk human papilloma virus test in the screening of high-grade cervical lesions

The aim of this study was to explore the value of different combination schemes of liquid-based cytology (LBC) and high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) test in the screening of high-grade (≥CIN 2) cervical lesions. From 5727 women who had undergone examinations with LBC and high-risk HPV test, 1884 patients with positive results of either or both LBC and HPV test were included in this study and underwent cervical biopsy. Based on the pathological examination results, comparisons of the assessment indicators of all diagnostic tests were made, and the application values of LBC and high-risk HPV test and different combination schemes of the two in the screening of high-grade (≥CIN II) cervical lesions were estimated. Compared with the single test method, the sensitivity and negative predictive value of the combination scheme of LBC+HPV (with one positive result) were increased significantly (98.7% and 99.7%), but the specificity (60.8%) and accuracy rate (65.4%) dropped significantly (P<0.05). The sensitivity of LBC+HPV (with two positive results) was the lowest (80.7%), but the specificity and accuracy rate were the highest (83.5% and 83.1%, P<0.05). Z test showed that differences in the screening efficiency of four schemes were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Both LBC and HPV test were effective methods in the screening of high-grade cervical lesions; combination of the two tests did not improve the screening efficiency, but the scheme of LBC+HPV (with two positive results) significantly increased the sensitivity and negative predictive value, which was of better cost-benefit value.