Alterations in the expression and activity of extracellular matrix components in HPV-associated infections and diseases

Infection with human papillomaviruses is associated with a series of benign and malignant hyperproliferative diseases that impose a heavy burden on human populations. A subgroup of mucosal human papillomavirus types are associated with the majority of cervical cancers and a relevant fraction of vulvar, vaginal, anal, penile and head and neck carcinomas. Human papillomaviruses mediate cell transformation by the expression of two pleiotropic oncoproteins that alter major cellular regulatory pathways. However, these viruses are not complete carcinogens, and further alterations within the infected cells and in their microenvironment are necessary for tumor establishment and progression. Alterations in components of the extracellular matrix for instance, matrix metalloproteinases and some of their regulators such as tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, have been consistently reported in human papillomaviruses-associated diseases. Matrix metalloproteinases function by remodeling the extracellular matrix and alterations in their expression levels and/or activity are associated with pathological processes and clinical variables including local tumor invasion, metastasis, tumor relapse and overall patient prognosis and survival. In this review we present a summarized discussion on the current data concerning the impact of human papillomavirus infection on the activity and expression of extracellular matrix components. We further comment on the possibility of targeting extracellular matrix molecules in experimental treatment protocols.

Costo-efectividad de la vacuna tetravalente contra VPH en Argentina, a partir de un modelo dinámico de transmisión / Cost-effectiveness of quadrivalent vaccine against human papilloma virus in Argentina based on a dynamic transmission model

Objetivo. Evaluar la costo-efectividad (CE) de la vacuna tetravalente contra el virus de papiloma humano (VPH) en Argentina, desde la perspectiva del sistema de salud. Material y métodos. Se utilizó un modelo dinámico de transmisión para estimar el impacto en la incidencia de cáncer de cuello uterino (Cacu), verrugas y otras lesiones, en los años de vida ajustados por calidad (AVAC) y en costos sanitarios. Resultados. La vacuna podría reducir en 60% el riesgo de muerte por Cacu y en 67% el de padecer verrugas genitales. Comparada con no vacunar, la estrategia de vacunación mostró un beneficio incremental promedio de 0.00234 AVAC por persona a un costo incremental de 2.36 dólares, con una CE de 1007.55 dólares por AVAC ganado. Los resultados demostraron ser robustos en el análisis de sensibilidad. Conclusiones. La inmunización resultaría costo-efectiva, con una CE inferior a un producto interno bruto per cápita (15 009 dólares) por AVAC ganado.

Objective. To assess the cost-effectiveness of the quadrivalent vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) in Argentina from the health system perspective. Materials and methods. A dynamic transmission model was used to estimate the impact of the vaccine on the incidence of cervical cancer, warts, and other HPV related diseases; in quality adjusted life years (QALYs); and in healthcare costs. Results. Vaccination could reduce the risk of cervical cancer by 60% and by 67% the risk of genital warts. Compared to a non-vaccine scenario, the immunization strategy showed an incremental benefit of 0.00234 QALY per person at an incremental cost of US$2.36, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of US$1007.55 per QALY gained. Sensitivity analysis proved the robustness of these results. Conclusions. Immunization with the quadrivalent vaccine was a cost-effective intervention in Argentina, and it was far below the threshold of one gross domestic product per capita (US$15 009) per QALY gained.