Molecular evidence of human papillomaviruses in the retinoblastoma tumor

Neuroimaging of Ocular Abnormalities in Children

In this article, we will discuss the essential MR imaging protocol required for the assessment of ocular abnormalities including malignancies. Then we will describe relevant anatomy, ocular embryogenesis, and genetics to establish a profound understanding of pathophysiology of the congenital ocular malformations. Finally, we will discuss pediatric ocular malignancies, benign mimics, and the most common congenital ocular malformations with case examples and illustrations and give tips on how to distinguish these entities on neuroimaging.

Human Papillomavirus and Retinoblastoma: Evidence From a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies

Objectives: To study the prevalence and the association of HPV infection in retinoblastoma and to determine the most common genotype presented in RB. Methods: Following the PRIMSA guideline, 14 studies reporting HPV infection in RB acquired from six databases were included. Results: The prevalence of HPV from 941 RB samples was 15.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.3-30]. Mexico followed by India and Brazil had the highest HPV prevalence in RB samples, 61.7% (95% CI: 17-93), 22.5% (95% CI: 9-47), and 12.1% (95% CI: 2-52), in order. HPV 16 was the most common genotype presented in RB samples 23% (95% CI: 9-47), followed by HPV 18 10% (95% CI: 3-30) and the combined HPV 16-18 6% (95% CI: 0-50). We did not find a significant association between HPV and RB [odds ratio (OR): 12.2; 95% CI: 0.65-232; p = 0.09]. However, after removing the largest-weighted study, a significant association between HPV and RB was observed (OR: 45.9; 95% CI; 8.6-245; p < 0.001). Conclusion: HPV prevalence in RB samples was 15% and HPV 16 was the most presented genotype in RB samples. There may be an association between HPV and RB that is needed to be confirmed by high quality future studies. Preventive and treatment measures against HPV infection are essential for the prevention of any possible consequences, in particular, RB.

Seasonality of main childhood embryonal tumours and rhabdomyosarcoma, France, 2000-2015

Few studies have investigated the seasonal patterns of embryonal tumours. Based on data from the French National Registry of Childhood Cancers, the present study aimed to investigate seasonal variations in embryonal tumour incidence rates by month of birth and by month of diagnosis. The study included 6635 primary embryonal tumour cases diagnosed before the age of 15 years over the period 2000-2015 in mainland France. Assuming monthly variations in incidence rates were homogeneous over 2000-2015, we used a Poisson regression model to test for overall heterogeneity in standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) by month of birth or diagnosis. The seasonal scan statistic method was used to detect monthly excesses or deficits of embryonal tumour cases over the whole study period. The annual reproducibility of the observed monthly variations was formally tested. An overall heterogeneity in incidence rates by month of birth was observed for rhabdomyosarcoma in boys only. Based on the month of diagnosis, a seasonality was evidenced for unilateral retinoblastoma, with a lower incidence rate in the summer (SIR_Jul-Aug  = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.52-0.87), whilst the incidence rate of rhabdomyosarcoma tended to be lower in August (SIR_Aug  = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.52-0.89). No seasonality was detected for the other embryonal tumour groups by month of birth or month of diagnosis. This study is one of the largest to have investigated the seasonality of childhood embryonal tumours. The study showed a seasonal variation in the incidence rates by month of diagnosis for unilateral retinoblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Our findings are likely to reflect a delay in consultation during the summer months. However, the role of seasonally varying environmental exposures cannot be ruled out.

HPV infections in retinoblastoma: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in children less than 4 years. Retinoblastoma (RB) contains about 3%-5% of all childhood cancers. Recent studies demonstrated that interacting between RB tumor suppressor and oncoproteins of DNA tumor viruses such as human papillomavirus (HPV). The objective of the current systematic review study was to present conducted studies in the field of HPV infection and its possible role in retinoblastoma.

METHODS

For this systematic review, all relevant original research studies were assessed by searching in electronic databases include PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science by using relevant keywords. The study was designed based on the PRISMA criteria. All publications with English literature and original researches are considered for screening.

RESULTS

Conducted search results lead to 4070 studies. The title and abstract screening lead to 11 studies. Data extraction was performed on 8 included studies. The prevalence of the HPV was ranged from 0 to 69%, and HPV genotype 16 and 18 were the most detected types. The most used method for the detection of the viruses was PCR, and the most assessed sample was formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks.

CONCLUSION

The association between HPV and retinoblastoma is still inconsistent. The prevalence of the HPV in RB was ranged from 0 to 69%, which indicates a wide range and highlights the importance of further investigation for more accurate statistical of HPV prevalence in RB. Thus, further worldwide studies of larger sample sizes of cohorts should be investigated to clarify this uncertainty.

The association between HPV gene expression, inflammatory agents and cellular genes involved in EMT in lung cancer tissue

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several studies have suggested that Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is an important risk factor in the development of lung cancer. In this study, we aim to address the role of HPV in the development of lung cancer mechanistically by examining the induction of inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by this virus.

METHODS

In this case-control study, tissue samples were collected from 102 cases with lung cancer and 48 controls. We examined the presence of HPV DNA and also the viral genotype in positive samples. We also examined the expression of viral genes (E2, E6 and E7), anti-carcinogenic genes (p53, retinoblastoma (RB)), and inflammatory cytokines in HPV positive cases.

RESULTS

HPV DNA was detected in 52.9% (54/102) of the case samples and in 25% (12/48) of controls. A significant association was observed between a HPV positive status and lung cancer (OR = 3.37, 95% C.I = 1.58-7.22, P = 0.001). The most prevalent virus genotype in the patients was type 16 (38.8%). The expression of p53 and RB were decreased while and inflammatory cytokines were increased in HPV-positive lung cancer and HPV-positive control tissues compared to HPV-negative lung cancer and HPV-negative control tissues. Also, the expression level of E-cad and PTPN-13 genes were decreased in HPV- positive samples while the expression level of SLUG, TWIST and N-cad was increased in HPV-positive samples compared to negative samples.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that HPV infection drives the induction of inflammation and EMT which may promote in the development of lung cancer.