Genetic polymorphisms and cervical cancer development: ATM G5557A and p53bp1 C1236G

Persistent infections by high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) have been established as the etiological agent of cervical cancer. The integration of the HPV genome into the host genome is a crucial step in cervical carcinogenesis, although, correct activation of DNA damage repair pathways will avoid the development of cancer. Recent data indicate that several polymorphisms of key regulators from the DNA damage repair pathway (i.e. 53BP1 and ATM) are associated with cancer development susceptibility. We have developed a hospital-based retrospective study considering 429 cervical specimens from women with different cervical lesions including invasive carcinoma. This study aimed to evaluate the role of the ATM D1853N (5557G>A) and 53bp1 D353E (1236C>G) polymorphisms in the development of cervical cancer, using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Statistical analysis revealed that ATM 5557GG homozygous individuals (OR=1.94; p=0.044) are at increased risk of developing LSIL, while for the 53BP1 1236C>G polymorphism no association was found. Nevertheless, we observed a tendency for an increased risk of LSIL in 53BP1 1236C allele carriers (OR=1.63; p=0.069). Logistic regression adjusted for age revealed no significant differences from the non-adjusted analysis. This is the first study to evaluate the role of ATM G5557A and P53BP1 C1236G polymorphisms in cervical cancer susceptibility. This study reveals a possible trend of both polymorphisms for a genetic susceptibility pattern of cervical cancer development. Hence, our results may be of interest for future understanding of the progression of cervical cancer.

Clinical effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for BK-virus-associated hemorrhagic cystitis after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

Late-onset hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been associated with BK virus (BKV). Antiviral drugs are of limited efficacy and the optimal treatment for HC has not yet been established. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) may benefit these patients. We, therefore, retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness of HBO therapy in 16 patients with HC after allogeneic HSCT. All 16 patients had macroscopic hematuria and BKV infection. Patients received 100% oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber at 2.1 atmospheres for 90 min, 5 days per week, with a median 13 treatments (range, 4-84). Fifteen patients (94%) showed complete resolution of hematuria. Median urinary DNA BKV titers declined after HBO (P<0.05). Patients started on HBO earlier after diagnosis of HC responded sooner (P<0.05). HBO was generally well tolerated and proved to be a reliable option for this difficult to manage condition.