The role of human papillomavirus in the pathogenesis of sinonasal inverted papilloma: a narrative review

Clinical Significance of HMGB1 and Autophagy-Related Genes in Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma

OBJECTIVES

Sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) is a noncancerous tumor that develops in the mucous membrane of the nasal sinuses. Many malignancies are tightly linked to autophagy, an intracellular self-degradation mechanism. HMGB1 has demonstrated its ability to modulate autophagy in many pathological conditions. This work investigates how HMGB1 and other genes involved in autophagy contribute to SNIP.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 45 patients with SNIP and a control group consisting of 28 individuals. In each group, qPCR was employed to examine the mRNA expression levels of genes correlated with autophagy and HMGB1. HMGB1 and genes associated with autophagy were examined for protein expression levels via Western Blot and immunohistochemical staining assays. At the same time, the association between HMGB1 and genes involved in autophagy was discovered through correlation analysis. Furthermore, Krouse staging was utilized for investigating the expression levels of HMGB1 and other autophagy-related genes at various stages in clinically staged SNIP patients.

RESULTS

LC3B, ATG5, and Beclin1 autophagy-related genes and HMGB1 were substantially expressed in SNIP. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between HMGB1 and these genes. During various phases of SNIP, the levels of HMGB1 expression and autophagy-related genes were notably elevated at stage T4 compared with stage T2.

CONCLUSION

Clinical staging in SNIP is correlated with HMGB1 expression in conjunction with autophagy-related genes LC3B, ATG5, and Beclin1, suggesting the possibility of novel prognostic indicators.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 134:3941-3946, 2024.

Multiple DNA Viruses and HPV Integration in Inverted Papilloma and Associated Sinonasal Carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) has a locally destructive growth pattern, can relapse, and can undergo malignant transformation (IP-associated sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (IP-SNSCC)). Human papillomaviruses (HPV)-6 and -16 are frequently detected in IPs. To clarify the possible roles of other DNA viruses in IPs, we explored viruses not studied in this context before. With the setting of pre- and post-malignant transformation samples, we investigated HPV genomes in depth to assess the integration of HPV into the human genome and the presence of minor intratypic variants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed 35 IP samples representing 28 individuals, of which six had IP-SNSCC. For virus screening, we applied qPCR to detect 16 different DNA viruses in three virus families, comprising herpesviruses, parvoviruses, and polyomaviruses. In addition, targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) was used for detailed HPV analysis.

RESULTS

We detected herpes-, parvo-, and polyomaviruses in 13/28 (46%) patients, with codetections of multiple viruses in six (21%) patients. NGS revealed HPV16 DNA in 2/6 IP-SNSCC and in their respective earlier benign IP samples, as well as in a plasma sample from one of these patients. HPV6 was detected in two IP samples without subsequent malignant transformation. We identified sequence reads containing junctions of HPV6 and HPV16 and host genome suggestive of viral integration. HPV6 and HPV16 minor intratypic variants were present across pre- and post-malignant transformation, with mostly nonsynonymous mutations.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple DNA viruses were present in IPs. HPV16 was detected only in IP-SNSCCs or in tumors that later underwent malignant transformation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Epithelial Tight Junction Anomalies in Nasal Inverted Papilloma

OBJECTIVES

As a critical component of the epithelial barrier, tight junctions (TJs) are essential in nasal mucosa against pathogen invasion. However, the function of TJs has rarely been reported in nasal inverted papilloma (NIP). This study aims to investigate the potential factors of TJs' abnormality in NIP.

METHODS

We assessed the expression of ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1, claudin-3, and claudin-7 in healthy controls and NIP by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescent staining. The correlation between TJs expression and neutrophil count, TH 1/TH 2/TH 17 and regulatory T cell biomarkers, and the proportion of nasal epithelial cells was investigated.

RESULTS

Upregulation of ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1, and claudin-7, along with downregulation of claudin-3, was found in NIP compared to control (all p < 0.05). An abnormal proportion with a lower number of ciliated cells (control vs. NIP: 37.60 vs. 8.67) and goblet cells (12.52 vs. 0.33) together with a higher number of basal cells (45.58 vs. 124.00) in NIP. Meanwhile, claudin-3 was positively correlated with ciliated and goblet cells (all p < 0.01). Additionally, neutrophils were excessively infiltrated in NIP, negatively correlated with ZO-1, but positively with claudin-3 (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, FOXP3, IL-10, TGF-β1, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-22 levels were induced in NIP (all p < 0.01). Occludin level was negatively correlated with IL-10, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-22, whereas ZO-1 was positively with TGF-β1 (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Nasal epithelial barrier dysfunction with TJs anomalies is commonly associated with abnormal proliferation and differentiation of epithelial cells and imbalance of immune and inflammatory patterns in NIP.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 134:552-561, 2024.

HPV-related diseases in male patients: an underestimated conundrum

PURPOSE

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease, in males and females worldwide. While the role of HPV in female diseases is well known and largely studied, males have negligibly been included in these programs, also because the proportion of women suffering and dying from HPV-related diseases is much larger than men. The aim of this review is to focus on HPV-related diseases in male patients.

METHODS

We performed a literature analysis on the electronic database PubMed. We considered randomized trials, observational and retrospective studies, original articles having as topic the relationship between HPV male infection and the following items: oral, anal penile cancers, warts, condylomas, male infertility, altered sperm parameters, anti-sperm antibodies (ASA). We also included experimental in vitro studies focused on the effects of HPV infection on oocyte fertilization, blastocyst development, and trophoblastic cell invasiveness. In addition, studies describing the adjuvant administration of the HPV vaccination as a possible strategy to promote HPV clearance from semen in infected males were included.

RESULTS

Regarding head and neck HPV-related diseases, the most important non-neoplastic disease is recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). Regarding neoplastic diseases, the proportion of head and neck cancers attributable to HPV has increased dramatically worldwide. In addition, nowadays, it is thought that half of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) cases in the United States are caused by infection with high-risk HPV. HPV is noteworthy in andrological practice too. It was described as having a high HPV prevalence, ranging between 50 and 70%, in male penile shaft, glans penis/coronal sulcus, semen as well as in scrotal, perianal, and anal regions. Moreover, in male patients, HPV infection has been associated, among other diseases, with penile cancers. HPV semen infection has been reported in about 10% in men from the general population and about 16% in men with unexplained infertility, although these data seem widely underestimated according to clinical experience. In particular, HPV semen infection seems to be most related to asthenozoospermia and to anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs).

CONCLUSIONS

HPV infection represents a health problem with a detrimental social and public impact. Despite this evidence, little has been done to date to widely promote vaccination among young males.

Clinical outcomes of sinonasal inverted papilloma: a retrospective analysis of 139 cases

OBJECTIVES

Sinonasal inverted papilloma has a high tendency for recurrence, local bone destruction and risk of malignant transformation. Therefore, complete resection of the tumour is required, and close follow up is essential. This article describes the clinical outcomes, recurrence rate and malignant transformation rate of sinonasal inverted papilloma.

METHODS

In this study, 139 patients diagnosed with sinonasal inverted papilloma in our hospital from December 2010 to May 2022 were retrospectively analysed. All patients underwent endoscopic surgery.

RESULTS

Sinonasal inverted papilloma occurred more often in males than in females. The mean age of patients with sinonasal inverted papilloma was 67.3 ± 5.7 years at diagnosis. The most prevalent site of origin was the maxillary sinus (50.4 per cent). The recurrence rate was 5.75 per cent, and the malignant transformation rate was 6.5 per cent.

CONCLUSION

All patients in this study underwent endoscopic surgery. Meticulous resection and regular long-term follow ups are crucial to reducing sinonasal inverted papilloma recurrence after surgery.

Preoperative Prediction of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma-associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma (IP-SCC)

INTRODUCTION

Sinonasal inverted papillomas (IP) can undergo transformation into IP-squamous cell carcinomas (IP-SCC). More aggressive treatment plan should be established when IP-SCC is suspected. Nevertheless, inaccuracy of the preoperative punch biopsy results to detect IP-SCC from IP raises the need for an additional strategy. The present study aimed to investigate significant clinicoradiological remarks associated with IP-SCC than IP.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Postoperative surgical specimens obtained from patients with confirmed IP or IP-SCC at a single tertiary medical center from 1997 to 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, preoperative in-office punch biopsy results, and preoperative computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance images were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the odds ratio (OR) associated with IP-SCC. The area under the curve (AUC) in the receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated in the prediction model to discriminate IP-SCC from IP.

RESULTS

The study included 44 IP-SCC and 301 patients with IP. The diagnostic sensitivity of in-office punch biopsy to detect IP-SCC was 70.7%. Multivariate analysis showed that factors significantly associated with IP-SCC included tobacco smoking >10PY (adjusted-OR [aOR]: 4.1), epistaxis (aOR: 3.4), facial pain (aOR: 4.2), bony destruction (aOR: 37.6), bony remodeling (aOR: 36.3), and invasion of adjacent structures (aOR: 31.6) (all p < 0.05). Combining all significantly related clinicoradiological features, the ability to discriminate IP-SCC from IP reached an AUC of 0.974.

CONCLUSION

IP patients with a history of tobacco smoking, facial pain, epistaxis, and bony destruction, remodeling, or invasion of an adjacent structure on preoperative images may be at higher risk for IP-SCC.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 133:2502-2510, 2023.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Human Papillomavirus Infection in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Papilloma

Studies on human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in oropharyngeal squamous papilloma (OPSP) are lacking, although HPV infection has been recognized as the primary cause of oropharyngeal cancer for several decades. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of HPV infections in patients with OPSP. We retrospectively enrolled patients with histologically confirmed OPSP in whom the presence of HPV infections and p16 expression were evaluated. The results of HPV infection in OPSP were analyzed according to the clinicodemographic profiles. Of the 83 patients included in this study, HPV test results were positive in 12 patients, with an overall prevalence of 14.5%. HPV genotypes involved low-risk and high-risk HPV types in three (3.6%) and nine (10.8%) patients, respectively. The most prevalent genotype was HPV16, accounting for 58.3% of all HPV infections. None of the OPSPs showed p16 IHC positivity. There were trends toward a higher prevalence of high-risk HPV infection in patients with OPSP aged ≤45 years, never-smokers, and those with multifocal diseases. These findings could enhance our understanding of HPV infection in OPSP and be used as valuable epidemiological data for the management of HPV-associated OPSP and regarding the possible efficacy of HPV vaccinations in OPSP.

HPV-Positive Status Is an Independent Factor Associated With Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma Recurrence

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to evaluate human papillomavirus (HPV) occurrence in sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP), and to assess factors associated with HPV positivity and SNIP recurrence.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

METHODS

We prospectively collected clinical data and fresh tissue specimens from 90 consecutive patients treated for SNIP at Helsinki University Hospital, between 2015 and 2019. Fourteen patients with recurrent SNIP underwent repeated tumor sampling. All tissue specimens were analyzed for the presence of HPV. Factors associated with SNIP recurrence and HPV positivity were assessed.

RESULTS

Among 107 SNIP specimens, 14 (13.1%) were positive for low-risk HPV and 6 (5.6%) were positive for high-risk HPV. HPV positivity was associated with an increased risk of recurrence (P = .004). Smoking was significantly associated with HPV positivity in SNIP (P = .01), but a history of HPV-related diseases or patient sexual habits did not correlate with HPV positivity. The recurrence rate was lower among patients with SNIP that underwent an attachment-oriented resection, compared to patients treated without attachment-oriented resections (78.6% vs 25.8%, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of SNIP recurrence was highly associated with 1) HPV positivity and 2) surgery without an attachment-oriented resection. Oncogenic HPV was rare in SNIP.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 2021.

HPV-Associated Benign Squamous Cell Papillomas in the Upper Aero-Digestive Tract and Their Malignant Potential

Squamous cell papilloma (SCP) in the upper aero-digestive tract is a rare disease entity with bimodal age presentation both at childhood and in adults. It originates from stratified squamous and/or respiratory epithelium. Traditionally, SCPs have been linked to chemical or mechanical irritation but, since the 1980s, they have also been associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Approximately 30% of the head and neck SCPs are associated with HPV infection, with this association being highest for laryngeal papillomas (76–94%), followed by oral (27–48%), sinonasal (25–40%), and oropharyngeal papillomas (6–7%). There is, however, a wide variation in HPV prevalence, the highest being in esophageal SCPs (11–57%). HPV6 and HPV11 are the two main HPV genotypes present, but these are also high-risk HPVs as they are infrequently detected. Some 20% of the oral and oropharyngeal papillomas also contain cutaneous HPV genotypes. Despite their benign morphology, some SCPs tend to recur and even undergo malignant transformation. The highest malignant potential is associated with sinonasal inverted papillomas (7–11%). This review discusses the evidence regarding HPV etiology of benign SCPs in the upper aero-digestive tract and their HPV-related malignant transformation. In addition, studies on HPV exposure at an early age are discussed, as are the animal models shedding light on HPV transmission, viral latency, and its reactivation.

Malignant Sinonasal Tumors: Update on Histological and Clinical Management

Tumors of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (TuNSs) are rare and heterogeneous malignancies, presenting different histological features and clinical behavior. We reviewed the literature about etiology, biology, and clinical features of TuNSs to define pathologic features and possible treatment strategies. From a diagnostic point of view, it is mandatory to have high expertise and perform an immunohistochemical assessment to distinguish between different histotypes. Due to the extreme rarity of these neoplasms, there are no standard and evidence-based therapeutic strategies, lacking prospective and large clinical trials. In fact, most studies are retrospective analyses. Surgery represents the mainstay of treatment of TuNSs for small and localized tumors allowing complete tumor removal. Locally advanced lesions require more demolitive surgery that should be always followed by adjuvant radio- or chemo-radiotherapy. Recurrent/metastatic disease requires palliative chemo- and/or radiotherapy. Many studies emphasize the role of specific genes mutations in the development of TuNSs like mutations in the exons 4-9 of the TP53 gene, in the exon 9 of the PIK3CA gene and in the promoter of the TERT gene. In the near future, this genetic assessment will have new therapeutic implications. Future improvements in the understanding of the etiology, biology, and clinical features of TuNSs are warranted to improve their management.

Bilateral Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma: Report of an Uncommon Case Involving Sinuses of the Face and Orbital Cavity

Patient: Male, 60-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Sinonasal inverted papilloma

Symptoms: Facial asymmetry • nasal obstruction • right hemiface proptosis

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Dentistry • Pathology • Surgery