Epidemiologic characteristics of high-risk HPV and the correlation between multiple infections and cervical lesions

Analysis of 19,116 cases of human papillomavirus infection and subtype distribution in Sanmen, Zhejiang Province, China

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the prevalence and subtype distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in Sanmen County, Zhejiang Province, China, and the correlation between ThinPrep cytologic test (TCT) results.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the demographic and clinical data of patients who underwent HPV typing and TCT at Sanmen People's Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022. The HPV infection rate in the region was calculated, and the HPV infection status among patients in different age groups and departments was compared, as well as the relationship between different HPV types and TCT results.

RESULTS

A total of 19,116 patients were included in the study. The overall HPV infection rate was 16.3%, single-type of infection accounted for 82.7% and multiple-type of infection accounted for 17.3%, with a high-risk type infection rate of 12.6% and a low-risk type infection rate of 2.7%. The top six HPV types in positive cases were type 52 at 24.3%, type 58 at 13.4%, type 53 at 12.5%, type 81 at 9.0%, type 16 at 7.3%, and type 68 at 5.8%. The results revealed a significant difference in HPV infection rates among age groups, with the < 25-year group having the highest infection rate at 21.1%. The proportion of abnormal TCT results was 8.0%, there was no significant difference in the comparison of abnormal TCT results among age groups, and no cases of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were found in the < 25-year group. HPV type 16 had the highest positivity rate in cases of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion group.

CONCLUSION

HPV infection in the region is mainly single-type. The most common types were high-risk HPV 52, 58, and 53, with the highest HPV infection rate found in the < 25-year group. High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion were closely related to infections with HPV 16, 58, 52, and 18.

Human Papillomavirus Prevalence and Genotype Distribution Among Women With Cervical Cytological Abnormalities in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the genotype distribution and viral loads of human papillomavirus (HPV) among women with cervical cytological abnormalities in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China.

METHODS

The HPV genotyping and viral loads were detected in 9351 patients who underwent the ThinPrep cytology test (TCT) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULT

The overall HPV infection rate was 21.63%, with a predominance of single and high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection. The ethnic stratification showed that the infection rates were 17.01% (265/1558) in Uyghur, 21.76% (84/386) in Kazakh, 22.20% (103/464) in Hui, and 22.79% (1490/6539) in Han. The major hrHPV genotype was HPV53 in Kazakh and HPV16 in Uyghur, Han, and Hui ethnic groups. The age-stratified data suggested that the highest HPV infection rate in Han, Hui, and Kazakh women was among 25-34 year-olds, but in the 35-44 year-old group for Uyghur. The infection rates of HPV16 in cervicitis, ASCUS, LSIL, and HSIL groups were significantly different among the five ethnic groups; the viral load of HPV16 showed a positive correlation with the severity of cervical lesions.

CONCLUSION

Variations exist in HPV infection and age distribution among different ethnic groups in Xinjiang, while the HPV16 viral load can guide risk stratification of cervical lesion progression.

A decade data of HPV genotypes in metropolitan regions of Indonesia: paving the way for a national cervical cancer elimination strategy

OBJECTIVE

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a global public health concern and associated with cervical cancer. HPV genotype mapping has an essential role in prevention and control strategy in developing more suitable HPV vaccine for Indonesia.

METHODS

This was a descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study from 2012 until 2022 at Kalgen Laboratory, Jakarta from all over the metropolitan regions. The total 76,413 samples were collected with consecutive sampling, which 694 excluded, thus final samples used were 75,719. HPV DNA test was performed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR): SPF10-DEIA-LiPA25 methods. HPV genotyping procedures included DNA extraction, PCR using the HPV XpressMatrix kit, and hybridization.

RESULTS

From 75,719 samples, 93.4% was negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM). Among 6.6% of total 75,719 samples of abnormal cytology groups, 53.8% were atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), 32.9% were low grade intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), and 13.3% were high grade intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). The most common high risk HPV genotypes among HSIL were 16, 18, 52, 58, 33, 51, and 53. Single HPV infection was more common compared to multiple infections.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that HR-HPV types among HSIL were 16, 18, 52, 58, 33, 51, and 53. HPV 52 was the most frequent type among NILM, ASCUS, and LSIL. Thus, it could serve as a potential future reference to create a more suitable HPV nonavalent vaccine for Indonesian population based on its different epidemiology.

Outcomes and associated factors of cervical human papillomavirus infection among 608 women in Shenzhen, China, 2018-2023

Objective

This study aimed to uncover the patterns of Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection outcomes in women and assess the risk factors that may affect these outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 608 women who tested positive for HPV-DNA during their initial visit to the outpatient department of Shenzhen Longgang Central Hospital from 2018 to 2023 and who had subsequent HPV-DNA testing as part of their post-visit monitoring. The monitoring intervals were every 6 months. The rank sum test was used to analyze ranked data. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the turning negative time. Univariate analysis was performed using the log-rank test, and multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox model to analyze independent risk factors.

Results

The results showed that the median age was 40.00 years (interquartile 33.00-47.00 years), the total conversion rate of the HPV-negative patients was 38.98%, and the median conversion time of the HPV-negative patients was 8.95 months (interquartile 4.20-16.175 months). Age, infection status and type of health insurance were significantly correlated with HPV outcome (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Among women infected with HPV, the overall rate of negative HPV infection was 38.93%, and the duration of negative conversion was 8.95 months. The study revealed that age, HPV infection status, and type of medical insurance are independent predictors of the persistence of negative HPV test outcomes.

Prevalence OF HPV IN a Peruvian Healthcare Network: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a common sexually transmitted infection often associated with cancer development. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HPV in women receiving care at the AUNA healthcare network in Peru.

METHODS

We conducted an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study. A de-identified database of HPV-positive women who underwent the BD Onclarity™ HPV Assay between December 2018 and December 2021 at Auna clinics was analyzed. The database contained information regarding age, city, and HPV type. High-risk HPV types were analyzed individually (16, 18, 31, 45, 51, 52) and pooled [P1 (33, 58), P2 (56,59,66), and P3 (35,39,68)]. The study was approved by an independent research ethics committee in Peru.

RESULTS

Of 68,714 women included in the study, the HPV prevalence was 14.21% (N = 9765, 95%CI:13.95%-14.47%). The highest prevalence was detected in Piura (16.85%, 95%CI:15.40%-18.38%), where HPV-51, HPV-52, HPV-P1, HPV-P2, and HPV-P3 were most common compared to other Peruvian cities included in the study. In Arequipa, the prevalence was the lowest (13.58%, 95%CI:12.38%-14.85%), but the percentage prevalence of HPV-16 was the highest compared to other cities. The prevalence of multiple HPV infections was 2.88% (N = 1981, 95%CI:2.76%-3.01%), with most of them co-presenting two types of HPV (N = 1522). The most frequent co-occurrences were P2 and P3, P2 and 52, and P2 and 16. Among HPV-positive women, the mean age was 41.31 years (±9.48) and 25.29% were in the 31-35 years group. HPV-P2 was the most frequent in all age groups except in the 65-72 years group, where HPV-P3 was the most common.

CONCLUSION

HPV prevalence was shown to be highest in Piura, with the most prevalent types being HPV-16, HPV-52, and HPV-P2 (HPV-56, -59, -66). HPV infection was found to be more frequent among women in the 31-35 years age group.

miRNAs Dysregulated in Human Papillomavirus-Associated Benign Prostatic Lesions and Prostate Cancer

Prostate pathologies, including chronic prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer (PCa), are strongly associated with chronic inflammation, which is a key risk factor and hallmark of these diseases [...].

Mapping the HPV Landscape in South African Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Viral Genotypes, Microbiota, and Immune Signals

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence, genotype distribution, and associations with cervicovaginal microbiota and cytokine profiles among South African women, where cervical cancer ranks as the second most common cancer. PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were searched for studies on HPV infection up to 21 September 2024. The pooled prevalence was estimated using a random-effects model, with subgroup analyses by province, sample type, and HIV status. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's test. Of the 19,765 studies screened, 120 met the inclusion criteria, comprising 83,266 participants. Results indicate a high HPV burden, with a pooled prevalence of 58% (95% CI: 52-64%), varying regionally from 53% (95% CI: 41-65%) to 64% (95% CI: 55-73%), with some regions under-researched. Cervical samples had the highest HPV prevalence (60% (95% CI: 54-66%)), while non-genital samples were less studied. High-risk (HR) HPV types, notably HPV 16 (7.5%), HPV 35 (4.1%), and HPV 18 (3.9%), were prominent, with HPV 35 emphasizing the need for expanded vaccine coverage. HIV-positive women had a higher pooled HPV prevalence (63% (95% CI: 55-71%)). Funnel plot analysis and Egger's test suggested a potential publication bias (p = 0.047). HPV-positive women exhibited lower Lactobacillus levels and an increase in Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)-associated species like Gardnerella, potentially supporting HPV persistence. Cytokine analysis showed elevated MIP-1α and MIP-1β in HPV infections, though cytokine profiles may depend on HPV genotypes. These findings underscore the need for research on HPV-microbiome-immune interactions and call for comprehensive HPV-prevention strategies, including vaccines targeting regional HPV types and tailored interventions for HIV-positive populations.

Trends in human papillomavirus infection and genotype distribution among males in Chongqing, China (2017-2022): an observational study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and genotyping in men from Chongqing and analyze age-related trends to provide insights for HPV prevention and vaccination plans tailored for men in Chongqing, China.

METHODS

This study is an observational study. We investigated male patients who underwent HPV screening at two hospitals in Chongqing from 2017 to 2022, totaling 4,381 cases, aged 18 to 85. HPV genotyping was conducted using the Hybribio Rapid GenoArray kit.

RESULTS

Among the 4,381 men, the overall HPV prevalence was 14.9%, peaking at 19.3% in 2022. Single HPV infection was 11.5%, and multiple infection was 3.4%. The most prevalent genotypes were HPV-52, HPV-16, and HPV-58. Single high-risk HPV infection peaked in the 36-45 age group, while multiple high-risk HPV infection decreased with age (P-trend < 0.01). Prevalence in the ≤ 25 age group was 3.7%. Single low-risk HPV infection also decreased with age (P-trend = 0.03). Genotypes covered by the nonavalent vaccine had the highest prevalence, increasing with age. Co-infection of HPV-16 with HPV-52 and HPV-58 was common. Single HPV infections were prevalent in cases of urethritis (30.8%), anogenital warts (36.4%), and genital warts (26.3%), while multiple HPV infections were significant in anogenital warts (18.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Single HPV infection was predominant in Chongqing, with HPV-52, HPV-16, HPV-58, HPV-53, and HPV-39 being the most prevalent genotypes. The prevalence of genotypes covered by the nonavalent vaccine increased with age. This study offers valuable insights for developing male-specific HPV prevention strategies in Chongqing.

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons promotes the progression of low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: A population-based cohort study in China

Low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1) is an early stage of cervical cancer development. Previously, we reported that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) increases the risk of cervical precancerous lesions, especially in females with a high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection. However, the effects of PAHs on CIN1 progression remain unclear. A community-based prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the role of exposure to PAHs in the progression of CIN1. A total of 564 patients diagnosed with CIN1 were followed-up at 6, 12, and 24 months, post-diagnosis, to determine CIN1 reversion, persistence, and progression. Exposure to PAHs was determined by the urine 1-hydroxipayrene (1-OHP) level. Our results showed that the 1-OHP level was significantly higher in patients with CIN1 persistence/progression than in those with reversion (P < .05). High exposure to PAHs increased the risk of CIN1 persistence/progression, with hazard ratios (HR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) of (1.62, 1.24-2.67), (1.98, 1.42-2.75), and (2.37, 1.61-3.49) at 6, 12, and 24 months, post-diagnosis, respectively. The effect was enhanced with HR-HPV positivity, as determined at 6 (1.82, 1.24-2.67), 12 (3.02, 1.74-5.23), and 24 (2.51, 1.48-4.26) months, post-diagnosis. Moreover, the predictive value of exposure to PAHs for CIN1 persistence/progression was higher in HR-HPV-positive patients than in HR-HPV-negative patients. The results revealed that exposure to PAHs facilitated the malignant progression of CIN1 and hindered its reversal, particularly in patients with HR-HPV infection. Our findings provide novel insights into early prevention and intervention targeting the initiation and progression of cervical neoplasia.

Anal carcinoma - exploring the epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment

Anal carcinoma is a relatively rare tumor that accounts for approximately 2% of gastrointestinal malignancies and less than 7% of anorectal cancers. Most anal tumors originate between the anorectal junction and the anal verge. Risk factors for the disease include human papillomavirus infection, human immunodeficiency virus, tobacco use, immunosuppression, female sex, and older age. The pathogenesis of anal carcinoma is believed to be linked to human papillomavirus-related inflammation, leading to dysplasia and progression to cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of anal tumor, with an annual incidence of approximately 1 to 2 per 100000 persons. Treatment regarding anal cancer has emerged over time. However, chemoradiation therapy remains the mainstay approach for early localized disease. Patients with metastatic disease are treated with systemic therapy, and salvage surgery is reserved for disease recurrence following chemoradiation. This article aims to provide background information on the epidemiology, risk factors, pathology, diagnosis, and current trends in the management of anal cancer. Future directions are briefly discussed.

Postoperative clearance of high-risk human papillomavirus for patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion: Conization versus hysterectomy

To compare the clearance rate of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) after 2 different treatments (conization vs hysterectomy), and investigate the influencing factors. A retrospective cohort was established in HSIL patients with HR-HPV infection treated with conization or hysterectomy from July 2020 to May 2022. Age matching (1:1) was conducted between conization group and hysterectomy group. Chi-square test and t-test were employed to compare baseline and clinical characteristics between the 2 groups (conization vs hysterectomy). In addition, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to compare the influencing factors for HR-HPV clearance at 6 months after surgery. The HR-HPV clearance rates at 6 months were 70.6% and 73.8% in conization group and hysterectomy group in the matched groups, respectively (P = .755). Similarly, at 12 months, the clearance rates were 78.6% and 76.5% in the matched groups, respectively (P = .844). Considering different age groups among all patients, the HR-HPV clearance rates were 81.8%, 72.9%, 73.5%, and 53.6% in the 20 to 30-year, 31 to 40-year, 41 to 50-year and 51 to 60-year groups at 6 months, respectively, and the clearance rates were 87.5%, 80.6%, 84.5% and 52.9% at 12 months, respectively. For HSIL, the postoperative HPV clearance rates were similar between the 2 groups (conization vs hysterectomy), conization is enough to resect the lesion and eliminate HPV. In addition, we should pay attention to the postoperative HR-HPV status in the older population of the 2 groups.

HPV infection patterns and viral load distribution: implication on cervical cancer prevention in Western Kenya

Human papillomavirus (HPV) coinfection remains common globally. However, its clinical significance compared to mono-infection remains controversial. Further, the epidemiology of HPV genotype combination in coinfection is not well studied in Kenya. . Between June and August 2023, a cross-sectional facility-based survey enrolled 434 women aged 16-68 years using purposive sampling strategy. Structured questionnaire was obtained from each woman regarding demographic and sexual behavior characteristics. Cervical specimen was collected from each participant and analyzed using RIATOL assay to determine HPV genotypes and viral load. Overall, HPV 52 was the most frequently detected HPV strain. The mean HPV viral load was elevated among coinfected women than those with mono-infection but there was no evidence to support differences in viral load in the two groups (P = 0.113). Mono-infection was common (58.52%). HPV 16 was noted to have a near equal presence both in mono-infection and coinfection (52.17% and 47. 83%), respectively. HPV 33 (alpha 9) and 45 (alpha 7) had the greatest preference for each other compared to all other HPV interactions. HPV 52 is the most prevalent HPV in the population supporting the need for the nonavalent HPV vaccine. Mono-infection with HPV 16 remains common corroborating the relevance of bivalent vaccine in resource limited setting where nonavalent vaccines may be unavailable. The frequent coinfection preference of HPV 33 and 45 (alpha 9 and alpha 7, respectively) pauses the need for further concurrent characterization. HPV vaccination and education on safe sexual behaviors is key in reducing HPV coinfection.

Epidemiology and genotypes analysis of human papillomavirus infection in Huizhou, China

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a main pathogenic factor for cervical carcinoma. The prevalence and genotypes distribution of HPV vary in different regions. Thus, our study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of HPV in Huizhou, China.

Methods

HPV tests were detected in 5,325 female outpatients, we focused on the overall HPV prevalence, genotypes distribution, and the correlation of HPV genotypes with cervical cytology.

Results

The overall HPV prevalence was 27.53%, HPV52, HPV58, HPV39, HPV16 and HPV51 were predominant genotypes with single infection rate of 70.80%. HPV infection rate showed a U-shaped age distribution, statistical differences were observed among 5 age groups (χ2 = 50.497, p < 0.01), and the higher positive rate was aged under 30 (34.42%) and above 60 (34.74%). Among high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infections, 60.69% involved NILM, 0.99% HSIL. The degrees of cervical lesions in multiple hrHPV infections were worse than those in single infection (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The HPV infection rate is high in Huizhou, Guangdong, single infection was predominant. HPV infection presented with a U-shaped age distribution. Multiple hrHPV infection was worrying since it may aggravate cervical lesions. Women should pay more attention to HPV detection and choose a more appropriate HPV vaccine according to local HPV type distribution.

High-Risk Genotypes of Human Papillomavirus at Diverse Anogenital Sites among Chinese Women: Infection Features and Potential Correlation with Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

BACKGROUND

Both cervical cancer and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection at different anogenital sites, but the infection features of high-risk (HR) HPVs at these sites and their association with cervical lesions have not been well characterized. Given the limitation of cervical HPV 16/18 test in screening patients with high-grade CIN (CIN 2+), studies on whether non-16/18 HR-HPV subtype(s) have potential as additional indicator(s) to improve CIN 2+ screening are needed.

METHODS

The infection of 15 HR-HPVs in vulva, anus, vagina, and cervix of 499 Chinese women was analyzed, and CIN lesion-associated HR-HPV subtypes were revealed.

RESULTS

In addition to the well-known cervical-cancer-associated HPV 16, 52, and 58, HPV 51, 53, and 56 were also identified as high-frequency detected subtypes prevalently and consistently present at the anogenital sites studied, preferentially in multi-infection patterns. HPV 16, 52, 58, 56, and 53 were the top five prevalent subtypes in patients with CIN 2+. In addition, we found that cervical HPV 33/35/52/53/56/58 co-testing with HPV 16/18 might improve CIN 2+ screening performance.

CONCLUSION

This study provided a new insight into HR-HPV screening strategy based on different subtype combinations, which might be used in risk stratification clinically.

Comprehensive overview of genotype distribution and prevalence of human papillomavirus in cervical lesions

Across cervical squamous and glandular lesions, a spectrum of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes has been identified. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary detailing the distribution and profile of HPV genotypes detected in cervical lesions, leveraging insights from histological and cytological findings. High-risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotypes exhibit varying degrees of oncogenic potential, with HPV16 and HPV18 identified as the most prevalent and oncogenic types. The distribution of HR-HPV genotypes varies among different degrees of the cervical lesions and varies between squamous and glandular neoplasia. HPV16 is predominantly associated with severe lesions (precancers and carcinomas), while HPV18 demonstrates a significantly higher prevalence in endocervical as compared with squamous neoplasia. The distribution of HR-HPV in severe squamous lesions is complex, involving many HR-HPV genotypes in addition to HPV16, while the distribution of HR-HPV genotypes in endocervical glandular lesions is mainly limited in HPV18 and HPV16. Large datasets from China have identified the three most common HR-HPV genotypes in this population as stratified by diagnostic category: HPV52, HPV16, HPV58 in histologically negative cases and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1 (CIN1); HPV16, HPV52, HPV58 in CIN2/3; HPV16, HPV58, HPV52 or HPV18 in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); HPV16, HPV18 and HPV52 in endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), invasive adenocarcinoma, as well as mixed squamous and glandular lesions. HPV33 is the fourth most common HPV type in CIN2/3 and SCC, while HPV45 occurs more commonly in AIS and adenocarcinoma, compared with squamous lesions. The prevalence and distribution of multiple HR-HPV coinfections vary across different cervical diseases. The clinical significance and pathogenesis of these multiple HR-HPV infections remain uncertain, although recent two large studies demonstrate that multiple HR-HPV infections are not associated with cumulatively higher risk of high-grade cervical squamous lesion development, suggesting competitive and/or cooperative interactions among HPV genotypes. Extensive HPV genotyping aids in risk assessment and optimising clinical approaches for women with mild abnormalities in Pap cytology. Women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) Pap test results and with the infection of some HR-HPV genotypes carry a very low risk of high-grade cervical lesions. HPV genotyping can allow for risk stratification and triage optimisation for these HR-HPV-positive women. Women with atypical glandular cell (AGC) Pap test results showed a specific HPV genotyping pattern and extended HPV genotyping may be helpful for the clinical management of AGCs. Continual advancements in clinical guidelines integrating extended genotyping would increase diagnostic accuracy and refine strategies in clinical management.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) decrease the viability of cervical cancer cells by inducing the BAX gene and activating antioxidant enzymes

BACKGROUND

Cervical Cancer (CC), a leading cause of female mortality worldwide, demonstrates a direct association with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. However, not all CC patients exhibit HPV infection, suggesting additional predisposing factors. Recently, disturbances in the oxidant-antioxidant balance have been implicated in CC development. This study explores the impact of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the survival and antioxidant capacity of HeLa cells, aiming to contribute to novel CC therapy approaches.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Synthesized and characterized AuNPs (25.5 nm, uniform distribution according to the DLS analysis) were administered to HeLa cells at varying concentrations. After 24 h, cell viability was assessed using the (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2 H-tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay. Real-time PCR measured expression levels of apoptosis-related genes (BCL2 associated X (BAX) and p53). Catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, key antioxidant enzymes, were also evaluated post-AuNP treatment. AuNPs dose-dependently reduced HeLa cell viability, with an IC50 value of 113 µg/ml. BAX gene expression significantly increased, indicating pro-apoptotic effects. Moreover, enzyme activities significantly rose under AuNP influence.

CONCLUSIONS

AuNPs demonstrated the potential to induce HeLa cell death by upregulating pro-apoptotic BAX gene expression and altering antioxidant system enzyme activities. These findings underscore the promise of AuNPs as a therapeutic avenue for CC, emphasizing their impact on crucial cellular processes involved in cancer progression.

Brachybacterium conglomeratum Is Associated with Cervicovaginal Infections and Human Papilloma Virus in Cervical Disease of Mexican Female Patients

Brachybacterium conglomeratum, traditionally considered an environmental bacterium, has recently garnered attention for its potential involvement in human health. While prior research hinted at its pathogenic role in humans, our study aims to determine its prevalence and associations in diverse clinical contexts. We examined vaginal swabs from three distinct patient groups: patients with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), patients with cervicovaginal infections, and patients with a history of precancerous lesions undergoing follow-up. B. conglomeratum was present in all three patient groups, with the highest prevalence observed in the LSIL group. Statistically significant associations were primarily identified in the LSIL group, where B. conglomeratum was present in 60% of cases. Notably, the LSIL group exhibited coinfections with multiple high-risk oncogenotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV), suggesting potential synergistic effects, and understanding these microbial relationships and their influence on viral persistence, particularly with HPV, holds promise for mitigating HPV-related carcinogenesis. Furthermore, Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae were frequently detected in this group, along with Ureaplasma parvum as the predominant sexually transmitted bacterium. In all cases, B. conglomeratum was found in association with these microorganisms rather than as a sole pathogen. This coexistence underscores the intricate microbial interactions within cervicovaginal infections and precancerous lesions. This study marks the first report of B. conglomeratum prevalence in women with these clinical conditions.