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)

Association between the p53 arginine/arginine homozygous genotype at codon 72 and human papillomavirus E6/E7 mRNA expression

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the association between p53 polymorphisms and human papillomavirus (HPV) E6/E7 mRNA expression. Methods: We analyzed 175 cervical samples from women aged 16-69 years old who were tested for HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression (NucliSENS® EasyQ® HPV). The samples were divided into three groups: positive (n = 75) those with positive HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression and positive high-risk HPV Hybrid Capture (HR-HC) test; negative (n = 52) those with negative HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression and positive HR-HC; and control (n = 48) those with negative HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression and negative HR-HC. The p53 polymorphisms at codons 11, 72, and 248 were evaluated through polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: The frequency of the arginine/arginine homozygous genotype at codon 72 was significantly higher in the positive (49.3%) than in the negative (32.7%) and control groups (20.8%, p = 0.002*). The frequency of the arginine allele was also significantly higher in the positive (67.3%) than in the negative (53.8%) and control groups (38.5%, p < 0.001*). The arginine/arginine homozygous genotype was significantly associated with positive HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression (positive group) compared with negative and control groups (odds ratio: 2.633; 95% CI, 1.399-4.954, p = 0.003). The frequency of arginine/arginine homozygous genotype at codon 72 remained significantly more frequent in the positive group of women aged ≥30 years than in the other two groups. Conclusion: The presence of the p53 arginine/arginine homozygous genotype at codon 72 was significantly associated with the positive HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression.

Influence of IL-6, IL-8, and TGF-β 1 gene polymorphisms on the risk of human papillomavirus-infection in women from Pernambuco, Brazil

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are strongly associated with the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasias and invasive cervical cancer. Polymorphisms in cytokine-encoding genes and behavioural cofactors could play an important role in protecting an individual against viral infections and cancer. Here, we investigated whether IL-6 -174 G>C, IL-8 +396 G>T, and TGF-β1 +869 G>C and +915 G>C polymorphisms were associated with susceptibility to HPV infection in women from north-east (Pernambuco) Brazil. We analysed 108 healthy uninfected women (HC) and 108 HPV-positive women with cervical lesions. Genetic polymorphisms were assessed using Sanger sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Comparison of the distribution of the genotypic and allelic frequencies of the IL-18 +396 T>G polymorphism between HPV infected woman an uninfected controls showed that the GG genotype and G allele were both more frequent in the HC group, and were associated with protection from HPV infection (p = 0.0015; OR = 0.29 CI95% = 0.13-0.61; p = 0.0005; OR = 0.45 CI95% 0.29-0.7, respectively). Individuals from the control group could have previously had HPV infection that was spontaneously eliminated; however, it was undetectable at the time of sample collection. Based on our findings, we hypothesize that the IL-8 +396 G>T polymorphism could interfere with susceptibility to HPV infection, by modulating the ability of immune system to fight the virus.

Incidence of Cervical Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Women with Positive and Negative HIV Status / Incidência de infecção cervical pelo vírus papiloma humano e neoplasia intraepitelial cervical em mulheres com sorologia positiva e negativa para o HIV

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the incidence and factors associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women. Methods A cohort of 103 HIV positive and 113 HIV negative women were monitored between October 2008 and February 2012, for at least one year. Procedures included cervical cytology, DNA/HPV detection by polymerase chain reaction, colposcopy with biopsy if necessary, followed by an interview for exposure characteristics data. CIN was based on the histopathological results. Results The incidence of CIN was of 8.8 and 4.6 cases/100 women-years in HIVpositive and HIV-negative women, respectively. HIV-positive women presented a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.8 for CIN and developed lesions earlier (0.86 year) than HIVnegative women (2 years) (p = 0.01). The risk of developing CIN decreased with age (HR = 0.9) and marital status (HR = 0.4). HPV patients presented a higher incidence of CIN when compared HIV-positive and HIV-negative women (p = 0.01). The incidence of HPV cervical infection was 18.1 and 11.4 cases/100 women-years in HIV-positive and HIV-negative women, respectively. Those HIV-positive presented earlier HPV infection (p = 0.002). The risk of developing HPV infection decreased with age and was higher among HIV-positive women. HPV 16 was the most common type in HIV-positive women, and also the type most closely associated with CIN in HIV-negative women. Conclusions HIV-positive women had a greater incidence of HPV and CIN, and in a shorter time interval. More rigorous and timely clinical control is required for this group.

Resumo Objetivos Avaliar a incidência e fatores associados com neoplasia intraepitelial cervical (NIC) e infecção cervical pelo Papiloma Vírus Humano (HPV) entre mulheres HIV positivas e negativas. Métodos Coorte de 103 mulheres positivas para o HIV e 113 negativas, que foram acompanhadas entre outubro de 2008 a fevereiro de 2012, com seguimento mínimo de um ano. Os procedimentos realizados foram coleta de material cervical para citologia oncótica e detecção do DNA/HPV pela reação em cadeia da polimerase, colposcopia seguida de biópsia, se necessário, e entrevista para obter dados e características de exposição. O diagnóstico de NIC foi baseado no resultado histopatológico das biópsias. Resultados A incidência pessoas-tempo de NIC foi de 8,8 e 4,6 casos/100 mulheresano para as mulheres HIV-positivas e HIV-negativas, respectivamente. As HIV-positivas apresentaram uma razão de risco (HR) de 2,8 para NIC e desenvolveram lesões mais precocemente (0,86 ano) do que as negativas (2 anos) (p = 0,01). O risco de desenvolver NIC diminuiu com a idade (HR = 0,9) e o estado civil (HR = 0,4). Pacientes com HPV apresentaram maior incidência de NIC, quando comparadas as mulheres HIVpositivas e as negativas (47,6 10,5%) (p = 0,01). A incidência de infecção cervical pelo HPV, por pessoa/tempo, foi de 18,1 e 11,4 casos/100 mulheres-ano, respectivamente para mulheres HIV-positivas e negativas. As HIV-positivas apresentaram HPV mais precocemente (p = 0,002). O risco de apresentar HPV diminuiu com a idade e foi maior entre as HIV-positivas. O HPV 16 foi o tipo mais comum entre as mulheres HIVpositivas. Conclusões As mulheres HIV-positivas tiveram maior incidência de HPV e NIC, e um menor intervalo de tempo. Controle clínico mais rigoroso e oportuno é requerido para este grupo.

Predictive Capability of HPV and Pap Tests in Screening for Cervical Cancer over a Three-Year Follow-up / Capacidade preditiva dos testes HPV e Papanicolau no rastreamento para câncer do colo do útero em três anos de seguimento

Purpose To compare the predictive capability of HPV and Pap smear tests for screening pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix over a three-year follow-up, in a population of users of the Brazilian National Health System (SUS). Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of 2,032 women with satisfactory results for Pap smear and HPV tests using second-generation hybrid capture,made in a previous study. We followed them for 36 months with data obtained from medical records, the Cervix Cancer Information System (SISCOLO), and the Mortality Information System (SIM). The outcome was a histological diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or more advanced lesions (CIN2ş). We constructed progression curves of the baseline test results for the period, using the Kaplan-Meier method, and estimated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and positive and negative likelihood ratios for each test. Results A total of 1,440 women had at least one test during follow-up. Progression curves of the baseline test results indicated differences in capability to detect CIN2ş (p < 0.001) with significantly greater capability when both tests were abnormal, followed by only a positive HPV test. The HPV test was more sensitive than the Pap smear (88.7% and 73.6%, respectively; p < 0.05) and had a better negative likelihood ratio (0.13 and 0.30, respectively). Specificity and positive likelihood ratio of the tests were similar. Conclusions These findings corroborate the importance of HPV test as a primary cervical cancer screening.

Objetivo Comparar a capacidade preditiva dotesteHPVcomoexame de Papanicolau para a detecção de lesões precursoras do câncer do colo do útero, em três anos de seguimento, numa população de usuárias do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Métodos Estudo de coorte retrospectiva de 2.032 mulheres com resultados satisfatórios para exame de Papanicolaou e teste HPV, por captura híbrida de segunda geração, realizados em estudo prévio. Foi realizado seguimento durante 36 meses por meio da busca em prontuários, Sistema de Informação do Câncer do Colo do Útero (SISCOLO) e Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM). O desfecho foi o diagnóstico histopatológico de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical grau 2 ou lesão mais grave (NIC2ş). Curvas de progressão foram construídas, para o período, utilizando o método de Kaplan-Meier, com base nos resultados dos exames na entrada do estudo; e estimadas a sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e negativo, e a razão de verossimilhança positiva e negativa, para cada teste. Resultados Um total de 1.440 mulheres foram submetidas a pelo menos um exame no período de seguimento. As curvas de progressão demonstraram diferenças na capacidade de predição para NIC2ş conforme os resultados dos testes (p < 0,001), sendo expressivamente maior quando ambos os exames estavam alterados, seguido de ter apenas o teste HPV positivo. O teste HPV apresentou maior sensibilidade do que o exame de Papanicolau (88,7% e 73,6%, respectivamente; p < 0,05) emelhor razão de verossimilhança negativa (0,13 e 0,30, respectivamente). Já a especificidade e a razão de verossimilhança positiva foram semelhantes. Conclusões Os resultados sinalizam a importância da inclusão do teste HPV no rastreamento primário do câncer do colo do útero.

CCR2 and CCR5 genes polymorphisms in women with cervical lesions from Pernambuco, Northeast Region of Brazil: a case-control study

Polymorphisms in chemokine receptors play an important role in the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) to cervical cancer (CC). Our study examined the association of CCR2-64I (rs1799864) andCCR5-Δ32 (rs333) polymorphisms with susceptibility to develop cervical lesion (CIN and CC) in a Brazilian population. The genotyping of 139 women with cervical lesions and 151 women without cervical lesions for the CCR2-64I and CCR5-Δ32 polymorphisms were performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The individuals carrying heterozygous or homozygous genotypes (GA+AA) for CCR2-64I polymorphisms seem to be at lower risk for cervical lesion [odds ratio (OR) = 0.37, p = 0.0008)]. The same was observed for the A allele (OR = 0.39, p = 0.0002), while no association was detected (p > 0.05) with CCR5-Δ32 polymorphism. Regarding the human papillomavirus (HPV) type, patients carrying the CCR2-64Ipolymorphism were protected against infection by HPV type 16 (OR = 0.35, p = 0.0184). In summary, our study showed a protective effect ofCCR2-64I rs1799864 polymorphism against the development of cervical lesions (CIN and CC) and in the susceptibility of HPV 16 infection.

The role of human papillomavirus testing after treatment for high-grade cervical dysplasia / 부인종양

No abstract available.

Can human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping classify non-16/18 high-risk HPV infection by risk stratification? / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: Infection with high-risk genotypes of human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is the major cause of invasive cervical cancers. HPV-16 and HPV-18 are known to be responsible for two-thirds of all invasive cervical carcinomas, followed by HPV-45, -31, and -33. Current guidelines only differentiate HPV-16/18 (+) by recommending direct colposcopy for treatment. We tried to evaluate whether there are differences in risk among 12 non-16/18 HR-HPV genotypes in this study. METHODS: The pathology archive database records of 1,102 consecutive gynecologic patients, who had results for cervical cytology and histology and for HPV testing, as determined by HPV 9G DNA chip, were reviewed. RESULTS: Among the 1,102 patients, 346 were non-16/18 HR-HPV (+) and 231 were HPV-16/18 (+). We calculated the odds ratios for ≥cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 (CIN 2) of 14 groups of each HR-HPV genotype compared with a group of HR-HPV (–) patients. Based on the odds ratio of each genotype, we divided patients with non-16/18 HR-HPV genotypes (+) into two groups: HPV-31/33/35/45/52/58 (+) and HPV-39/51/56/59/66/68 (+). The age-adjusted odds ratios for ≥CIN 2 of the HPV-31/33/35/45/52/58 (+) and HPV-39/51/56/59/66/68 (+) groups compared with a HR-HPV (–) group were 11.9 (95% CI, 7.6 to 18.8; p<0.001) and 2.4 (95% CI, 1.4 to 4.3; p<0.001), respectively, while that of the HPV-16/18 (+) group was 18.1 (95% CI, 11.6 to 28.3; p=0.003). CONCLUSION: The 12 non-16/18 HR-HPV genotypes can be further categorized (HPV-31/33/35/45/52/58 vs. HPV-39/51/56/59/66/68) by risk stratification. The HPV-31/33/35/45/52/58 genotypes might need more aggressive action. Large scale clinical trials or cohort studies are necessary to confirm our suggestion.

Tinción dual inmunocitoquímica de p16INKa/Ki-67 para la detección de lesiones del cuello uterino asociadas a infección por el virus del papiloma humano / p16INK4a/Ki-67 immunocytochemical dual staining for detection of cervical lesions associated to papillomavirus infection

Este estudio se llevó a cabo para examinar el patrón de inmunoexpresión simultánea de p16INK4a/Ki-67y establecer su posible utilidad clínica para la detección precoz del cáncer de cuello uterino. Las muestras celulares de cuello uterino fueron seleccionadas de la pesquisa de rutina de cáncer cervical. La detección inmunocitoquímica de p16INK4a/Ki-67se realizó con el kit de trabajo CINtec® Plus. Todos los casos tenían una prueba de virus papiloma humano (VPH). Ciento quince muestras citológicas fueron incluidas: 11(9,6%) fueron negativas para lesión intraepitelial o malignidad (NILM), 32(27,8%) presentaron células escamosas con atipias de significado indeterminado (ASC-US), 62(53,9%) mostraron lesión intraepitelial escamosa de bajo grado (LSIL) y 10(8,7%) lesión intraepitelial escamosa de alto grado (HSIL). La prevalencia general de infección por VPH fue de 81,7% (94/115). En 42 casos (45,0%) se identificaron los siguientes genotipos específicos de VPH: VPH16 (26,2%), VPH51 (21,4%), VPH52 (14,3%) y el genotipo VPH66 (7,1%). De 115 muestras celulares, 42(36,5%) fueron positivas para la tinción dual de p16INK4a/Ki-67, siendo ésta muy frecuente en las muestras citológicas con HSIL (70,0%), disminuyendo en las LSIL (44,0%) y existiendo inmunopositividad en una minoría de ASC-US (25,0%). Ningún caso NILM mostró inmunopositividad para p1(6INK4a)/Ki-67 (p<0,001). En 40/115 casos (34,8%) hubo positividad tanto para infección por VPH oncogénico como para la tinción dual p16INK4a/Ki-67, incluyendo 6/32 (18,8%) con ASC-US, 26/62 (42,0%) con LSIL and 8/10 (80,0%) con HSIL. Esta metodología podría ser utilizada para detectar lesiones en cuello uterino que aún no han sido diagnosticadas o han pasado inadvertidas.

We aimed to explore the expression pattern of p16INK4a/Ki-67 immunocytochemical dual-staining and to establish the potential clinical utility for early detection of cervical lesions. Liquid-based cytologies of cervical specimens of cervical cancer screening were processed for p16INK4a/Ki-67 immunocytochemical dual-staining using the CINtec® Plus Kit. HPV testing was performed with the INNO-LiPA HPV genotyping Extra Reverse Hybridization Line Probe Assay kit. One hundred and fifteen cervical cytologies were analyzed with the following results: 11(9.6%) were negative for intraepithelial lesions or malignancy (NILM); 32(27.8%) presented atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US); 62(53.9%) exhibited low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) and 10(8.7%) showed high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). No cases of cervical cancer were detected. The overall prevalence of DNA HPV detection was 81.7% (94/115). The following specific HPV genotypes were identified in 42 (45.0%) cases: HPV16 (26.2%), HPV51 (21.4%), HPV52 (14.3%) and HPV66 (7.1%). Viral sequences of an unknown single HPV were detected in 23.8%of the cases. A total of 42/115 (36.5%) were p16INK4a/Ki-67 dual-staining-positive, being more frequent in HSIL (70.0%), decreasing in LSIL (44.0%), detected in a minority of ASC-US (25.0%) and negative in NILM cases (p<0.001). 40/115 cases (34.8%) were positive for both oncogenic HPV and p16INK4a/Ki-67 dual-staining, including 6/32 (18.8%) ASC-US, 26/62 (42.0%) LSIL and 8/10 (80.0%) HSIL, which represent a strong association between positivity for HPV, p16INK4a/Ki-67 staining and severe cytological abnormalities (p<0.001). This methodology could be used to detect unnoticed cervical lesions.

Historia natural de la infección por el virus del papiloma humano: una actualización / Natural history of the infection for human papillomavirus: an actualization

Durante los últimos años, se han sucedido grandes avances en nuestro entendimiento acerca de la biología e historia natural del Virus del Papiloma Humano (VPH). La mayoría de las infecciones por papiloma virus son transmitidas por un contacto cercano bien sea de piel a piel o mucosa a mucosa. La relación sexual con penetración no es un requerimiento para la transmisión del VPH. Las infecciones orales y digitales por VPH ocurren, y existe evidencia de que el contacto digital-genital y genital-oral puede resultar en la transmisión del VPH, aunque en un porcentaje relativamente bajo. La transmisión vertical de la madre al feto es una vía frecuente de infección, de hecho, se reconoce que más del 80% de los neonatos nacido de madres infectadas con VPH genital serán positivos a la determinación del ADN del VPH en la región naso-faríngea y mucosa oral. Mujeres con infecciones transitorias frecuentemente desarrollan anormalidades citológicas mientras ocurra una replicación activa del VPH. Esto ocurre debido a que las infecciones productivas de VPH resultan en anormalidades citológicas en las células epiteliales infectadas. La fuerte asociación entre el riesgo de infección por VPH y el incremento en la supresión inmune apoya un efecto biológico directo de la infección por VIH en la historia natural del VPH.

In recent years, there have been major advances in our understanding of the biology and natural history of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Most papillomavirus infections are transmitted by close contact of either skin to skin or mucosa to mucosa. Sexual intercourse is not a requirement for genital HPV infection. Digital-oral infections occur and there is evidence that digital-genital and oral-genital contacts can result in the transmission of HPV, although in a relatively low percentage. Vertical transmission from mother to fetus is a common route of infection; in fact, it is recognized that more than 80% of infants born from mothers infected with genital HPV will be positive for HPV DNA determination in the nasal-pharyngeal region and oral mucosa. Women with transient infections often develop cytological abnormalities that take place while there is active HPV replication. This occurs because productive HPV infections result in cytological abnormalities in infected epithelial cells. The strong association between the risk of HPV infection and increased immune suppression, supports a direct biological effect of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection on the natural history of HPV.

Detección de virus papiloma humano en la prevención del cáncer cérvico-uterino / Human papilomavirus detection in cervical cancer prevention

El cáncer cérvico-uterino (CCU), que está fuertemente asociado a la infección por virus papiloma humano de alto riesgo (VPH-AR), sigue siendo un problema de salud pública en Latinoamérica. El uso de la citología para la detección de lesiones pre-cancerosas no ha tenido mayor impacto en las tasas de incidencia y mortalidad del CCU, que aún se mantienen altas en la región. La disponibilidad de nuevas técnicas de tamizaje para la detección de lesiones pre-cancerosas y de vacunas altamente eficaces que previenen casi todas las lesiones relacionadas con los VPH-AR de alto potencial oncogénico VPH 16 y 18, en mujeres no expuestas previamente al virus brindan una gran oportunidad para la prevención del CCU. La detección de VPH-AR representa actualmente un valioso componente de las guías clínicas para el tamizaje, manejo y tratamiento del CCU y sus lesiones precursoras. Se han desarrollado estrategias metodológicas que detectan un amplio espectro de tipos de VPH-AR; sin embargo, solo un pequeño subgrupo de ellas ha documentado la validación clínica para cualquiera de las indicaciones habituales de la detección de estos virus. Las pruebas de VPH que no estén validadas y que no hayan demostrado confiabilidad, reproducibilidad y exactitud no deben ser usadas en el manejo clínico. Una vez incorporada una prueba de VPH en el laboratorio, es esencial que el procedimiento completo sea sometido a un continuo y riguroso control de calidad para evitar prácticas subóptimas, potencialmente dañinas. Este artículo discute los recientes progresos y el estado actual de estos métodos.

Cervical cancer (CC), which is strongly associated to high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) infection, continues being a significant health problem in Latin America. The use of conventional cytology to detect precancerous cervical lesions has had no major impact on reducing CC incidence and mortality rates, which are still high in the region. New screening tools to detect precancerous lesions became available, which provide great opportunities for CC prevention, as do highly efficacious HPV vaccines able to prevent nearly all lesions associated with HPV-16 and -18 when applied before viral exposure. Currently, hr-HPV testing represents an invaluable component of clinical guidelines for screening, management and treatment of CC and their precursor lesions. Many testing strategies have been developed that can detect a broad spectrum of hr-HPV types in a single assay; however, only a small subset of them has documented clinical performance for any of the standard HPV testing indications. HPV tests that have not been validated and lack proof of reliability, reproducibility and accuracy should not be used in clinical management. Once incorporated into the lab, it is essential to submit the whole procedure of HPV testing to continuous and rigorous quality assurance to avoid sub-optimal, potentially harmful practices. Recent progress and current status of these methods are discussed in this article.

An upward trendiin dna p16ink4a methylation patern and high risk hpv infectionn according to the severity of the cervical lesion / Padrão de metilação do gene P16INK4A e de infecções por HPV de alto risco acompanham a evolução de lesões cervicais

SUMMARY High-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) infection is necessary but not sufficient for cervical cancer development. Recently, P16INK4A gene silencing through hypermethylation has been proposed as an important cofactor in cervical carcinogenesis due to its tumor suppressor function. We aimed to investigate P16INK4A methylation status in normal and neoplastic epithelia and evaluate an association with HPV infection and genotype. This cross-sectional study was performed with 141 cervical samples from patients attending Hospital Moncorvo Filho, Rio de Janeiro. HPV detection and genotyping were performed through PCR and P16INK4A methylation by nested-methylation specific PCR (MSP). HPV frequency was 62.4% (88/141). The most common HPV were HPV16 (37%), HPV18 (16.3%) and HPV33/45(15.2%). An upward trend was observed concerning P16INK4A methylation and lesion degree: normal epithelia (10.7%), low grade lesions (22.9%), high grade (57.1%) and carcinoma (93.1%) (p < 0.0001). A multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate an association between methylation, age, tobacco exposure, HPV infection and genotyping. A correlation was found concerning methylation with HPV infection (p < 0.0001), hr-HPV (p = 0.01), HSIL (p < 0.0007) and malignant lesions (p < 0.0001). Since viral infection and epigenetic alterations are related to cervical carcinoma, we suggest that P16INK4A methylation profile maybe thoroughly investigated as a biomarker to identify patients at risk of cancer. .

RESUMO É reconhecido que infecções por papilomavírus humanos de alto risco (HPV) são causa necessária, mas não suficiente para o desenvolvimento do câncer cervical. Recentemente, estudos de silenciamento gênico apontaram que a hipermetilação do gene p16INK4A é importante co-fator para a carcinogênese cervical, eliminando a função supressora de tumor da proteína p16 em lesões malignas. Entretanto poucos estudos avaliaram a relação da metilação com a progressão da doença. Nosso objetivo foi investigar o padrão de metilação do gene P16INK4A em diferentes graus de lesão cervical e sua associação com a infecção por diferentes tipos de HPV. Nosso estudo de corte transversal avaliou 141 amostras cervicais de pacientes atendidas no Hospital Moncorvo Filho, Rio de Janeiro. A detecção e tipagem do HPV foi realizada pela técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), e a metilação do gene P16INK4A pela PCR-metilação específica em formato nested (MSP). A frequência de HPV foi de 62,4% (88/141). O tipo mais prevalente foi o HPV16 (37%), seguido pelo HPV18 (16,3%) e HPV33/45 (15,2%). Curva ascendente foi observada quanto ao padrão de metilação do gene P16INK4A e o grau da lesão: a metilação foi identificada em somente 10,7% das amostras de epitélio normal, em 22,9% das lesões de baixo grau, em 57,1% das lesões de alto grau e em 93,1% dos carcinomas (p < 0,0001). Foram feitas análises univariada e multivariada a fim de correlacionar metilação, idade, exposição ao tabaco, infecção e genótipo de HPV. Foi encontrada correlação da metilação com a infecção pelo HPV (p < 0,0001), genótipos de alto risco (p = 0,01), ...

Human papillomavirus infection among sexual partners attending a Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Cervical cancer is a major source of illness and death among women worldwide and genital infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) its principal cause. There is evidence of the influence of the male factor in the development of cervical neoplasia. Nevertheless, the pathogenic processes of HPV in men are still poorly understood. It has been observed that different HPV types can be found among couples. The objective of the present study was to investigate HPV infections in female patients (n = 60 females/group) as well as in their sexual partners and to identify the concordance of HPV genotypes among them. By using the polymerase chain reaction, we detected a 95% prevalence of HPV DNA in women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) compared to 18.3% in women with normal cervical epithelium, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). The HPV DNA prevalence was 50% in male partners of women with CIN and 16.6% in partners of healthy women. In the control group (healthy women), only 9 couples were simultaneously infected with HPV, and only 22.2% of them had the same virus type, showing a weak agreement rate (kappa index = 0.2). Finally, we observed that HPV DNA was present in both partners in 30 couples if the women had CIN, and among them, 53.3% shared the same HPV type, showing moderate agreement, with a kappa index of 0.5. This finding supports the idea of circulation and recirculation of HPV among couples, perpetuating HPV in the sexually active population, rather than true recurrences of latent infections.

Glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor expression in patients with cervical human papillomavirus infection

Introduction The progression of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the anogenital tract has been associated with the involvement of cells with regulatory properties. Evidence has shown that glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR) is an important surface molecule for the characterization of these cells and proposes that GITR ligand may constitute a rational treatment for many cancer types. We aimed to detect the presence of GITR and CD25 in cervical stroma cells with and without pathological changes or HPV infection to better understand the immune response in the infected tissue microenvironment. Methods We subjected 49 paraffin-embedded cervical tissue samples to HPV DNA detection and histopathological analysis, and subsequently immunohistochemistry to detect GITR and CD25 in lymphocytes. Results We observed that 76.9% of all samples with high GITR expression were HPV-positive regardless of histopathological findings. High GITR expression (77.8%) was predominant in samples with ≥1,000 RLU/PCB. Of the HPV-positive samples negative for intraepithelial lesion and malignancy, 62.5% had high GITR expression. High GITR expression was observed in both carcinoma and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) samples (p = 0.16). CD25 was present in great quantities in all samples. Conclusions The predominance of high GITR expression in samples with high viral load that were classified as HSIL and carcinoma suggests that GITR+ cells can exhibit regulatory properties and may contribute to the progression of HPV-induced cervical neoplasia, emphasizing the importance of GITR as a potential target for immune therapy of cervical cancer and as a disease evolution biomarker. .

Detección del virus del papiloma humano de alto riesgo por captura híbrida II® según hallazgos citológicos en mujeres tratadas por lesiones escamosas intraepiteliales de cuello uterino, período 2006/2010 / Detection of high risk human papillomavirus by hybrid capture II(r) according cytological findings in women treated for squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix, period 2006/2010

OBJETIVO: Determinar la frecuencia del virus de papiloma humano de alto riesgo oncogénico (HR-HPV) por captura híbrida II (r) (CH II(r)) según hallazgos citológicos en mujeres tratadas por lesiones escamosas intraepiteliales (SIL) de cuello uterino. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo de corte transverso de una serie de casos, en donde se incluyeron 122 mujeres tratadas, 79 (65%) por SIL de bajo grado (LSIL) y 43 (35%) por SIL de alto grado (HSIL) que concurrieron al Laboratorio de HPV del Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, para realizarse un control post-tratamiento, periodo 2006/2010. RESULTADOS: Se observó un total del 28% (34/122) de mujeres tratadas por SIL positivas para HR-HPV, detectándose infección viral en un 20% de las mujeres con ausencia de SIL (NSIL) (22/108), 83% de las mujeres con LSIL (10/12) y 100% de las mujeres con HSIL (2/2). De las 34 mujeres positivas para HR-HPV, 10 mujeres (29%) presentaron valores altos (100 pg/mL o más) de carga viral relativa, detectándose un aumento de casos positivos con la severidad de la lesión (28% NSIL, 30% LSIL, 50% HSIL). CONCLUSION: La detección de HR-HPV por CH II(r), así como los valores de carga viral relativa altos, en especial en mujeres con NSIL podrían ayudar a identificar mujeres tratadas con riesgo a desarrollar recidivas, contribuyendo así a fortalecer el programa de prevención de cáncer de cuello uterino. .

OBJECTIVE: To determinate the frequency of high risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) by hybrid capture II (r) (CH II(r)), according cytology results in women treated for squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix (SIL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study of a series of cases that included 122 women treated, 79 (75%) for low grade SIL (LSIL) and 43 (35%) for high grade SIL (HSIL) attending at the HPV Laboratory at the Health Sciences Research Institute (IICS), National University of Asunción (UNA), for post-treatment control during period 2006/2010. RESULTS: A total of 28% (34/122) of women treated for SIL were positive for HR-HPV, detecting viral infection in 20% of women with no SIL (NSIL) (22/108), in 83% of women with LSIL (10/12) and in 100% of women with HSIL (2/2). Of 34 women positive for HR-HPV, 10 women (29%) had high values (100 pg / mL or more) of relative viral load, detecting an increase of positive cases with severity of the lesion (28% NSIL, 30% LSIL, 50% HSIL). CONCLUSION: HR-HPV detection by CH II(r) and high relative viral load values especially in women with NSIL could help to identify treated women at risk of developing recurrence, thereby contributing to strengthening the cervical cancer prevention program. .

Prevention of cervical cancer in women with ASCUS in the Brazilian Unified National Health System: cost-effectiveness of the molecular biology method for HPV detection / Prevenção de câncer de colo uterino em pacientes com ASCUS no Sistema Único de Saúde: custo-efetividade de método de biologia molecular para HPV

This study aimed to assess the performance of PCR as a means of detecting HPV 16/18 compared to the single probe-based PCR for detecting high-risk HPV, and evaluate these methods for detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in follow-ups for ASCUS testing. It also compares the costs of cytology, PCR methods, colposcopy and biopsy in the Brazilian Unified National Health System. Of the 81 patients with ASCUS, 41 (50.6%) tested positive for HPV 16/18 in PCR testing and 47 (58.02%) tested positive for high-risk HPV with single probe-based PCR testing. The negative predictive value was 93.75% for HPV 16/18 PCR and 100% for single probe-based PCR in cases that progressed to high-grade CIN. The annual costs of patient referral were the following: R$2,144.52 for referral of patients with ASCUS cytology for colposcopy; R$6,307.44 for referral of patients with ASCUS cytology and PCR positive for HPV 16/18 or colposcopy; R$3,691.80 for referral of patients with ASCUS cytology with single probe-based PCR positive for high-risk HPV. Therefore, cost per user can be reduced by performing single probe-based PCR for high-risk HPV on patients with ASCUS.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar o desempenho do PCR para detecção de HPV 16/18 versus PCR sonda única para a detecção de HPV de alto risco, avaliar estes métodos na detecção de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical (NIC) no seguimento de ASCUS, e comparar os custos de citologia, métodos de PCR, colposcopia e biópsia no Sistema Único de Saúde. Das 81 pacientes com ASCUS, 41 (50,6%) foram positivas para o HPV 16/18 PCR, e 47 (58,02%) foram positivas para PCR sonda única para HPV de alto risco. O valor preditivo negativo foi de 93,75% para HPV 16/18 PCR e 100% para PCR sonda única em casos que evoluíram para NIC de alto grau. Os custos anuais encaminhando todas as pacientes com ASCUS para a colposcopia, encaminhando à colposcopia as pacientes com ASCUS e PCR positivo para HPV 16/18 e encaminhando à colposcopia aquelas pacientes com ASCUS e PCR sonda única para HPV de alto risco positivo foram de R$2.144,52, R$6.307,44 e R$3.691,80, respectivamente. Considerando eventual redução dos custos para utilização em grandes quantidades, este método poderia ser realizado em ASCUS.

Prevalence and risk factors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among HIV-infected women

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence and the risk factors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) among HIV-infected women. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 494 HIV-infected women in Brazil, between 1998 and 2008. Gynecologic exam was performed, and samples were collected for cervical cytology and for HPV DNA detection. Cervical biopsy was carried out when indicated. HPV infection, CD4 T-lymphocyte count and HIV viral load were compared with cervical histopathology. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the statistical association of several risk factors. RESULTS: CIN prevalence detected by histopathology was 23.4% (6% of CIN2/3 and 17.4% cases of CIN1). Multivariate analysis confirmed an independent association of CIN with CD4 T-lymphocyte count below 200 cells/mm³ (OR 5.0, 95% CI 2.5-10.1), with a positive detection of HPV DNA (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.5), and with age < 34 years old (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.4). HIV viral load and antiretroviral use were not independent risk factors for CIN. CONCLUSIONS: Severity of immunosupression, presence of HPV infection and younger age are strong predictors of CIN among HIV-infected women.

Co-infections associated with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in pregnant women from southern Brazil: high rate of intraepithelial cervical lesions

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-positive) pregnant women require specific prophylactic and therapeutic approaches. The efficacy of established approaches is further challenged by co-infection with other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of co-infections in pregnant women infected with different HIV-1 subtypes and to relate these findings, together with additional demographic and clinical parameters, to maternal and infant outcomes. Blood samples from pregnant women were collected and tested for syphilis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Human papillomavirus (HPV) diagnosis was evaluated by the presence of alterations in the cervical epithelium detected through a cytopathological exam. Medical charts provided patient data for the mothers and children. Statistical analyses were conducted with STATA 9.0. We found a prevalence of 10.8 percent for HCV, 2.3 percent for chronic HBV, 3.1 percent for syphilis and 40.8 percent for HPV. Of those co-infected with HPV, 52.9 percent presented high-grade intraepithelial lesions or in situ carcinoma. Prematurity, birth weight, Apgar 1' and 5' and Capurro scores were similar between co-infected and non-co-infected women. The presence of other STDs did not impact maternal and concept outcomes. More than half of the patients presenting cervical cytology abnormalities suggestive of HPV had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or cervical cancer, evidencing an alarming rate of these lesions.

Circulation of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in women from Córdoba, Argentina, with squamous intraepithelial lesions / Circulación de genotipos de virus papiloma humano (VPH) en mujeres con lesiones intrepiteliales escamosas de Córdoba, Argentina

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can induce a wide spectrum of squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) of varying severity. The aim of the present study was to establish the frequency of HPV infection and identify the genotypes circulating in women from Córdoba, Argentina, in relation to age and cytology. A total of 186 women, between 18 and 65 years old, with antecedents of SIL, underwent a pelvic examination and had cervical cells collected for cytology and HPV DNA detection. Ninety-six samples (51.6 percent) were positive for HPV detection, and sixty-three (65.6 percent) of them showed the presence of at least one HR-HPV. Low- and high-grade SIL showed significant association in patients younger than 35 years of age. We found 18 different genotypes, with a greater presence of HR-HPV. Genotypes 16 and 6 were the most frequent. Seven (7.3 percent) multiple infections, 85.7 percent of which had at least one HR-HPV, were detected. The detection of a large number of different HPV genotypes is a warning sign. It is thus necessary to strengthen the monitoring of the circulation of high-risk genotypes, currently less prevalent in intraepithelial lesions, as a control measure for the possible impact of the implementation of vaccines against genotypes 16 and 18.

El papilomavirus humano (human papilloma, HPV) induce un amplio espectro de lesiones intraepiteliales escamosas (SIL) de variada severidad. Objetivo: conocer la frecuencia de infección por HPV y determinar los genotipos circulantes en mujeres de la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina, en relación con la edad y la citología. Se realizó citología y detección de ADN-HPV en células cervicales de 186 mujeres de 18 a 65 años con antecedentes de SIL. Noventa y seis (51.6 por ciento) fueron positivas para la detección del HPV, de las cuales, en 63 (65.6 por ciento) se detectó la presencia de al menos, un HPV de Alto Riesgo (HR-HPV). Las SIL de alto grado (HSIL) y de bajo grado (LSIL) se asociaron a pacientes menores de 35 años. Se hallaron 18 genotipos diferentes, con mayor presencia de HR-HPV. HPV 16 y 6 fueron más frecuentes y se detectaron 7 (7.3 por ciento) infecciones múltiples, 85.7 por ciento de éstas presentaron al menos un HR-HPV. La detección de un alto número de diferentes genotipos es una señal de alerta. Por tanto, es necesario fortalecer la vigilancia de los HR-HPV, actualmente menos frecuentes en las SIL, como medida de control del impacto que tendrá la implementación de las vacunas contra HPV 16 y 18.

S100, CD68, and MHC class II molecule expression in cervical high- and low-grade HPV-induced lesions / Expressão de S100, CD68 e moléculas de MHC classe II em lesões cervicais de alto e baixo grau induzidas por HPV

INTRODUCTION: Some human papillomavirus (HPV) types are involved in malignant processes in the cervical epithelium, with 99 percent of cases attributed to oncogenic HPV infection. This study aimed to detect S100, CD68, and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) molecules in cervical uterine epithelial samples in patients with high- and low-grade lesions induced by HPV. METHODS: Fifty-eight samples from patients who were confirmed positive or negative for high-risk oncogenic HPV DNA, had histopathological diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) of grades I, II, or III, or were negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy were subjected to immunohistochemistry reaction to S100 protein, CD68, and MHC-II (HLA-DR alpha chain). RESULTS: The presence of MHC-II predominated in samples exhibiting histopathological alterations (p < 0.05). S100 detection was more numerous in carcinoma samples (CIN III) (75 percent). Presence of this protein correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with histopathological findings and viral load. CONCLUSIONS: A small expression of CD68 was observed, which may be explained by the observation in our study having been made on random microscopic fields and not on specific areas. The findings, such as the presence of S100 protein and MHC-II expression in samples with histological alterations, could suggest that the immune system fails to control HPV replication at the early stages of infection. Further studies with larger prospective data are necessary to confirm this result.

INTRODUÇÃO: Alguns tipos de papilomavirus humano (HPV) estão envolvidos em processos malignos no epitélio cervical, com 99 por cento dos casos atribuídos à infecção por HPV oncogênico. O objetivo deste estudo foi detectar a proteína S100, CD68 e moléculas de MHC-II (complexo principal de histocompatibilidade classe II) em amostras de epitélio cervical uterino, de pacientes com lesões de alto e baixo grau induzidas pelo HPV. MÉTODOS: Cinquenta e oito amostras de pacientes positivos ou negativos, confirmados, para DNA de HPV de alto ou baixo risco oncogênico, e que tiveram diagnóstico histopatológico de neoplasia intraepithelial cervical (NIC) de graus I, II ou III ou foram negativas para lesão intraepithelial e malignidade (NILM), foram submetidas à reação de imunohistoquímica (IHQ) para proteína S100, CD68 e MHC-II (HLA-DR cadeia alfa). RESULTADOS: A presença da molécula MHC-II predominou em amostras exibindo alterações histopatológicas (p < 0,05). A detecção de S100+ foi mais numerosa em amostras com carcinoma (NIC III) (75 por cento). A presença dessa proteína correlacionou-se significantemente (p < 0,05) com achados histopatológicos e a carga viral. CONCLUSÕES: Pequena expressão CD68+ foi observada, uma possível explicação seria que em nosso estudo as observações foram feitas em campo microscópicos aleatórios e não em áreas específicas. Os achados como a presença de S100 e a expressão de MHC-II, em amostras com alterações histológicas, podem sugerir que o sistema imune falha em controlar a replicação do HPV nas fases iniciais da infecção. Maiores estudos, com mais dados prospectivos, são necessários para confirmar esses resultados.