Oral and laryngeal HPV infection: Incidence, prevalence and risk factors, with special regard to concurrent infection in head, neck and genitals

HPV-driven oncogenesis-much more than the E6 and E7 oncoproteins

High-risk human papillomaviruses are well-established drivers of several cancer types including cervical, head and neck, penile as well as anal cancers. While the E6 and E7 viral oncoproteins have proven to be critical for malignant transformation, evidence is also beginning to emerge suggesting that both host pathways and additional viral genes may also be pivotal for malignant transformation. Here, we focus on the role of host APOBEC genes, which have an important role in molecular editing including in the response to the viral DNA and their role in HPV-driven carcinogenesis. Further, we also discuss data developed suggesting the existence of HPV-derived miRNAs in HPV + tumors and their potential role in regulating the host transcriptome. Collectively, while recent advances in these two areas have added complexity to the working model of papillomavirus-induced oncogenesis, these discoveries have also shed a light onto new areas of research that will be required to fully understand the process.

Human Papillomavirus Infection of the Oropharyngeal and Laryngeal Squamous Papilloma: Disparities in Prevalence and Characteristics

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has emerged as an etiologic factor of squamous papilloma (SP). The oropharynx and larynx are common sites of SP, but studies on the prevalence of HPV infection in these sites are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the prevalence and characteristics of HPV infection in oropharyngeal SP (OPSP) and laryngeal SP (LSP). HPV detection and genotyping data of patients with pathologically confirmed OPSP and LSP were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 119 patients were enrolled, consisting of 93 patients with OPSP and 26 patients with LSP. Of those patients, 13 patients with OPSP and 14 patients with LSP were positive for HPV infection, accounting for a prevalence of 14.0% and 53.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). The most prevalent genotype was HPV16 in OPSP and HPV6 in LSP. Over two-thirds (69.2%) of HPV(+)-OPSP infections were high-risk types compared with 14.3% of HPV(+)-LSP infections (p = 0.004). The prevalence of HPV infection in patients with OPSP and LSP demonstrated no differences in terms of age, sex, and smoking status. These results could provide a better understanding of HPV infection in OPSP and LSP and serve as a background for the epidemiology of HPV-related tumorigenesis of the oropharynx and larynx.

Oral and periodontal manifestation related during human papilloma virus infections: Update on early prognostic factors

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is considered one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and has been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the cervix and head and neck. Manifestations of HPV infections can be manifold, ranging from asymptomatic infections to benign or potentially malignant lesions to intraepithelial neoplasms and invasive carcinomas. The heterogeneity of clinical manifestations from HPV infection depends on the interactions between the viral agent and the host, a direct consequence of the ability on the part of HPV is to remain silent and to evade and convey the action of the host immune system. The oral mucosa represents one of the tissues for which HPV has a distinct tropism and is frequently affected by infection. While much information is available on the role that HPV infection plays in the development of SCC in the oral cavity, there is less information on asymptomatic infections and benign HPV-induced oral lesions. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to analyze, in light of current knowledge, the early clinical and bio-humoral prognostic features related to the risk of HPV malignant transformation, focusing on subclinical conditions, benign lesions, and the correlation between oral infection and infection in other districts. The data show that the main risk associated with HPV infection is related to malignant transformation of lesions. Although HPV-driven OPSCC is associated with a better prognosis than non-HPV-driven OPSCC, primary prevention and early detection of the infection and affected genotype are essential to reduce the risk of malignant neoplastic complications and improve the prognosis.

Connecting the dots: Human papillomavirus vaccination gaps and the upsurge of oral human papillomavirus infection in United States of America

This Editorial calls attention to the worrisome rise in oral HPV infections in the USA, which has been related to an increase in oral sex activity. It emphasizes the need for increased vaccination rates, dispelling myths and addressing disparities in oropharyngeal cancer prevention.

Molecular Detection of HPV, EBV, HSV-1, HCMV, and H. pylori Pathogens: An Evaluation among Polish Children with Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH)

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a congenital disorder of the enamel tissue, characterized by a quantitative deficiency. In childhood, infections such as EBV, HSV-1, HCMV, or H. pylori may occur and cause various diseases. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HPV, EBV, HSV-1, HCMV, and H. pylori infections in two groups of children: children with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and a control group, using molecular methods. The study group included 47 children aged between 6-13 years who had been diagnosed with MIH. The control group consisted of 42 children. The study found that, in the MIH group, the prevalence of HPV-16 was 6.38%, HPV-18 was 4.26%, EBV was 31.91%, HSV-1 was 4.26%, HCMV was 4.26%, and H. pylori was 12.77%. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of any of tested pathogens between the study and the control group (p > 0.05). However, the study found a higher prevalence of EBV infection in children who had smallpox/pneumonia by the age of 3 years. Ten children were found to have at least two pathogens present. Moreover, both groups had a high prevalence and activity of EBV. These findings provide new insights into the carriage of pathogens among children with MIH, providing new information for parents, scientists, and healthcare professionals.

Altered oral microbiome, but normal human papilloma virus prevalence in cartilage-hair hypoplasia patients

BACKGROUND

Cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH) is a rare syndromic immunodeficiency with metaphyseal chondrodysplasia and increased risk of malignancy. In this cross-sectional observational study, we examined HPV status and oral microbiome in individuals with CHH. Oral brush samples were collected from 20 individuals with CHH (aged 5-59 years) and 41 controls (1-69 years). Alpha HPVs (43 types) were tested by nested PCR followed by bead-based probe hybridization. Separately, beta-, gamma-, mu- and nu- HPV types were investigated, and a genome-based bacterial microbiome sequencing was performed.

RESULTS

We found a similar alpha HPV prevalence in individuals with CHH (45%) and controls (36%). The HPV types of individuals with CHH were HPV-16 (25%), 27, 28, and 78, and of controls HPV-3, 16 (21%), 27, and 61. Beta HPV positivity and combined beta/gamma/mu/nu prevalence was detected in 11% and 11% of individuals with CHH and in 5% and 3% of the controls, respectively. Individuals with CHH differed from the controls in bacterial microbiota diversity, richness, and in microbial composition. Individuals with CHH had lower abundance of species Mitsuokella sp000469545, Parascardovia denticolens, Propionibacterium acidifaciens, UMGS1907 sp004151455, Salinicola halophilus, Haemophilus_A paraphrohaemolyticus, Fusobacterium massiliense, and Veillonella parvula, and higher abundance of Slackia exigua.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with CHH exhibit similar prevalence of HPV DNA but different bacterial microbiota on their oral mucosa compared to healthy controls. This may partly explain the previously observed high prevalence of oral diseases in CHH, and regular oral examination is warranted.

"Knowing that I had HPV, I literally just shut down": A qualitative exploration of the psychosocial impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) in women living with mental health conditions

OBJECTIVE

Psychological distress after testing positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) at cervical cancer screening is well documented in the general population. However, little is known about the impact of an HPV-positive result on those with pre-existing mental health conditions, who may be at higher risk of experiencing clinically significant distress. This study explored the psychosocial impact of HPV in women with co-morbid mental health conditions, as well as their experience of cervical screening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 22 women aged 27-54 who had tested positive for HPV at routine cervical screening in England, and who reported having at least one mental health condition. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Being informed of an HPV-positive result increased distress and heightened pre-existing psychological challenges. Psychosocial response and duration of HPV-related distress appeared to be influenced by the ability to regulate emotions, number of consecutive HPV-positive results, interactions with health care professionals, and other life stressors. The experience added further complexity to many women's perceptions of self and self-esteem. Women who had received psychological treatment for their mental health condition were best able to self-manage HPV-related distress by applying learned coping skills.

CONCLUSIONS

Receiving an HPV-positive result at cervical screening appears to be a distressing experience for women with co-morbid mental health conditions. Future hypothesis-driven research is needed to confirm findings and develop effective interventions to reduce psychosocial burden.

Rising role of 3D-printing in delivery of therapeutics for infectious disease

Modern drug delivery to tackle infectious disease has drawn close to personalizing medicine for specific patient populations. Challenges include antibiotic-resistant infections, healthcare associated infections, and customizing treatments for local patient populations. Recently, 3D-printing has become a facilitator for the development of personalized pharmaceutic drug delivery systems. With a variety of manufacturing techniques, 3D-printing offers advantages in drug delivery development for controlled, fine-tuned release and platforms for different routes of administration. This review summarizes 3D-printing techniques in pharmaceutics and drug delivery focusing on treating infectious diseases, and discusses the influence of 3D-printing design considerations on drug delivery platforms targeting these diseases. Additionally, applications of 3D-printing in infectious diseases are summarized, with the goal to provide insight into how future delivery innovations may benefit from 3D-printing to address the global challenges in infectious disease.

Correlates of human papillomavirus vaccination intent for oropharyngeal cancer prevention among gay and bisexual men living in the United States

BACKGROUND

Gay and bisexual men (GBM) are at increased risk of developing human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Vaccination may prevent OPC in GBM; however, vaccination rates are low. The authors explored the correlates associated with HPV vaccination intent for OPC prevention among GBM.

METHODS

The authors conducted a cross-sectional study in which they surveyed 1,700 adult GBM with a profile on 2 online dating sites. Eligibility criteria included self-identified GBM living in the United States, aged 18 through 45 years who had sex with a man in the past 5 years. Factors associated with participants' HPV vaccination status and intent to vaccinate were assessed via the online questionnaire using the Health Belief Model.

RESULTS

Most of the 1,108 eligible GBM had not received 1 dose or more of the HPV vaccine (54.2%), were aged 27 through 37 years (52.3%), were White (58.3%), identified as cisgender men (93.4%), were gay (79.3%), were in a monogamous relationship (99.4%), and had a bachelor's degree (29.4%) or higher college education (26.1%). Among unvaccinated GBM, 25.3% reported intent to receive the vaccine. In the multivariable model, independent associations (P < .05) were found for the Health Belief Model constructs (perceived benefits and perceived barriers) with HPV vaccine intent, after adjusting for all other predictor variables in the model.

CONCLUSIONS

The benefits of HPV vaccination for the prevention of OPC is associated with intent to vaccinate among GBM. Dental care providers can use this information to educate patients in this high-risk population on prevention of HPV-associated OPC.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Dentists can advocate for HPV vaccination uptake among GBM patients by means of discussing the benefits of vaccination in the prevention of HPV-associated OPC.

Molecular pathways in the development of HPV-induced oropharyngeal cancer

Oropharyngeal cancer, a subset of head and neck cancer, is increasingly recognized as a unique clinical entity primarily influenced by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, particularly HPV-16. This review delves into the viral life cycle of HPV-16 and its interactions with host cells, with a specific focus on the crucial roles played by the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7. These oncoproteins drive cellular proliferation by targeting critical tumor suppressor proteins like p53 and Rb, resulting in uncontrolled cell growth and genomic instability. Furthermore, the significance of epigenetic modifications induced by HPV-16 and their implications is important for cancer progression. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the intricate molecular landscape of HPV-induced oropharyngeal cancer, shedding light on the development of targeted therapies and preventive strategies for this emerging global health concern. Video Abstract.

Orogenital Human Papillomavirus Infection and Vaccines: A Survey of High- and Low-Risk Genotypes Not Included in Vaccines

Knowledge of human papillomavirus transmission from the genital tract to the oral mucosa remains unsatisfactory, with poor and often inconsistent literature results. The increase in HPV-associated oral malignancies prompts further analysis of the simultaneous detection of the virus in the two anatomical areas and on the identification of genotypes to be included in future vaccines. Therefore, in this retrospective study, we evaluated orogenital HPV concurrence, hrHPV, lrHPV and type-concordance in 337 samples, as well as the prevalence of the most common genotypes not included in HPV vaccines. Concurrence was found in 12.5% (31/248) of cases, hr-concordance in 61.3% (19/31) and lr-concordance in 12.9% (4/31). Finally, type-concordance was found in 32.3% (10/31) of concurrent infections. Regarding the identification of non-vaccine genotypes, the significantly prevalent genotypes in the anogenital area were HPV66 (12.6%, p < 0.0001), HPV53 (11.1%, p < 0.0001), HPV51 (8.7%, p < 0.0001), HPV42 (8.2%, p < 0.0001) and HPV68 (5.6%, p = 0.0034) in women and HPV66 (14.6%, p = 0.0058), HPV42 (12.2%, p = 0.0428), HPV51 (12.2%, p = 0.0428), HPV53 (12.2%, p = 0.0428), HPV70 (12.2%, p = 0.0428) and HPV73 (12.2%, p = 0.0428) in men. Considering the results of our study, we recommend including the high-risk genotypes HPV51, HPV68, HPV53 and HPV66 in future HPV vaccine formulations.

Oral Human Papillomavirus Prevalence and Genotyping Among a Healthy Adult Population in the US

Importance

In the US, oropharyngeal cancer, predominantly caused by high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, is the most frequent HPV-associated cancer, surpassing cervical cancer. However, little is known about oral HPV prevalence and genotype distribution in the general population.

Objective

To assess oral HPV prevalence and factors associated with HR and low-risk infection in a general US population.

Design, Setting, and Participants

PROGRESS (Prevalence of Oral HPV Infection, a Global Assessment) was a cross-sectional observational study conducted between November 2021 and March 2022 in 43 dental offices in the US (24 urban, 13 urban cluster, and 6 rural sites), spanning 21 states. Eligible participants were aged 18 to 60 years, visiting dental clinics for routine dental examination. Dental clinics used targeted sampling to recruit equal distributions of men and women and across age groups.

Exposure

Participants provided an oral gargle specimen for HPV DNA and genotyping and completed behavioral questionnaires, and dentists reported oral health status. Detection of HPV DNA and genotyping was performed using the SPF10/DEIA/LiPA25 system at a central laboratory.

Main Outcome

Oral HPV prevalence.

Results

Of the 3196 participants enrolled, mean (SD) age was 39.6 (12.1) years, and 55.5% were women. Oral HPV prevalence was 6.6% (95% CI, 5.7%-7.4%) for any HPV genotype, and 2.0% (95% CI, 1.5%-2.5%), 0.7% (95% CI, 0.4%-1.0%), and 1.5% (95% CI, 1.1%-1.9%) for HR, HPV-16, and 9-valent-HPV vaccine types, respectively. Among HPV-positive participants, HPV-16 was the most prevalent genotype (12.4% among men and 8.6% among women). Prevalence of HPV was higher in men than women and highest among men aged 51 to 60 years (16.8%, 6.8%, and 2.1% for any HPV, HR HPV, and HPV-16, respectively). Factors associated with HR oral infection included being male (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.1; 95% CI, 1.2-8.5), being aged 51 to 60 years (AOR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.5-7.3), having 26 or more lifetime male sex partners (AOR, 6.5; 95% CI, 2.3-18.7), and having 6 to 25 lifetime female oral sex partners (AOR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.3-8.7).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, oral HPV burden was highest among older men who may be at higher risk of developing oropharyngeal cancer. In addition to male sex and older age, HR oral HPV infection was also associated with sexual behaviors, including increasing number of male sex partners and female oral sex partners.

The correlation between human papillomavirus and oral lichen planus: A systematic review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with cell-induced immunopathological responses and is considered a potential malignancy disorder in the oral cavity. Due to the high prevalence of OLP as well as the potential for malignancy, human papillomaviruses (HPVs) may play an important role in it. Although previous studies have explored the possible relationship between HPV and OLP, the findings have been conflicting and nonconclusive. This study aims to review the studies that investigated HPV-16 and HPV-18 in OLP.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The research protocol followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA2020) checklist. The online databases Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane were searched using the following individual keywords: "OLP" OR "Oral Lichen Planus" OR "HPV" OR "Human Papillomavirus." The search strategy resulted in the selection of 80 articles. The articles were evaluated, and after duplication removal, 53 abstracts were reviewed, resulting in the selection of 25 studies according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk of bias assessment was done by using the Modified Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. The overall prevalence of HPV in OLP lesions varied from 2.7% to 70%, depending on the type of diagnostic method used.

CONCLUSION

Despite the studies conducted on the relationship between OLP and HPV infection, there is still no conclusive evidence that HPV can play a role in the etiopathogenesis of OLP, either in clinical manifestations or in the malignant transformation of lesions.

Oral Human Papillomavirus Benign Lesions and HPV-Related Cancer in Healthy Children: A Systematic Review

The present systematic review aimed to assess the prevalence of oral HPV-related lesions, categorized as benign (verruca vulgaris "VV", squamous cell papilloma "SP", condyloma acuminata "CA", and focal epithelial hyperplasia "FEH") and malignant (oral squamous cell carcinoma "OSCC"), in descending order of occurrence in pediatric subjects (≤18 years of age). The secondary objectives were to evaluate the frequency and types of oral lesions described in relation to HPV genotypes and the HPV vaccine type (if any). The study protocol, compliant with the PRISMA statement, was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022352268). Data from 60 studies, of which quality was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool, were independently extracted and synthesized. Along with seven poorly described benign HPV-related oral lesions that could not be categorized, a total of 146 HPV-related oral lesions, namely 47.26% (n = 69) VV, SP, and CA, 51.37% (n = 75) FEH, and 1.37% (n = 2) OSSC, were diagnosed in 153 pediatric subjects (M:F ratio = 1:1.4) with a mean age of lesion onset of 8.46 years. The viral genotypes detected were HPV-13 (30.61%), -6 (20.41%), -11 (16.33%), HPV-2 (12.24%), -32 (10.20%), -57 (6.12%), and -16 (4.08%). No HPV vaccination was reported in any case. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the prevalence of HPV-related benign and malignant lesions and the potential role of HPV and associated vaccination in oral carcinogenesis in pediatric subjects.

High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx: A Study From a Tertiary Care Center in North India

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18 infection has been considered as an important etiological factor for laryngeal carcinoma. Considering its impact on prognosis, it is important to understand the true prevalence of HPV-associated laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) in the northeast region of India. Materials and methods A prospective observational study was conducted among patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in the department of otolaryngology of King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow. Results In this study, the total number of cases was 62. HPV 16/18 positivity was higher (p=0.02) among the age group 31-40 years (40%) as compared to above 50 years (3.3%). HPV positivity was higher among females (50%) as compared to males (12.5%). Out of 34 tobacco smokers, HPV positivity was seen in 20.6% as compared to no positivity among patients without any history of addiction. HPV positivity was found in 19.6% of supraglottic cancer and no positivity among glottic cancer. HPV positivity was higher among the T1 stage of supraglottic carcinoma (40%) as compared to T3 (17.4%). In glottic cases, HPV positivity was nil in all T stages. Conclusion The association of tumor HPV status with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in females and young patients (<50 years) observed in our study is consistent with prior studies, and this reflects that HPV status should be considered in the design or analysis for the treatment of laryngeal cancer. We tried to highlight the importance of diagnosing HPV-positive laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma at early stages of the disease and also added information about the prevalence of HPV-positive LSCC in this zone of the country. We have observed that laryngeal carcinoma from tobacco smokers contains transcriptionally active HPV and hence may act as a risk factor or act synergistically with HPV infection. Further studies with larger sample size are needed to clearly establish the association of HPV in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and its impact on disease prognosis.

Relationship Between Sexual Orientation and Human Papillomavirus-Related Oral Cancer Knowledge and Awareness

Purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oral cancers are increasing, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other people with a minority sexual orientation may be disproportionately impacted. This study examined the relationship between sexual orientation and HPV-related oral cancer knowledge. Methods: Data from 10,859 adult participants in the 2017-2019 Health Information National Trends Survey 5, cycles 1-3, were obtained. The three data sets were merged, and weighted multiple imputation (n = 15) was applied to address missingness. Weighted logistic regression analyses examined differences in HPV-related oral cancer knowledge between sexual minority versus heterosexual participants by sex, after adjustment for race, ethnicity, age, education, income, insurance, regular medical provider, and smoking status. Results: In this weighted sample, age ranged from 18 to 101 years (mean = 56.3 years); 42% were males, 5.2% were sexual minority men/women, and 94.8% were heterosexual/straight. Overall, only 19% of respondents were aware that HPV can cause oral cancer. After controlling for sociodemographic factors, there were no significant differences in HPV-related oral cancer knowledge for sexual minority men (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.10; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.86-1.42) or women (AOR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.76-1.26) compared with those who were heterosexual/straight. Conclusion: Overall, knowledge of HPV-related oral cancer was low, regardless of sexual orientation. There were no differences in HPV-related oral cancer knowledge between sexual minority men and women compared with their heterosexual counterparts. Educational programs are needed to increase awareness of the HPV/oral cancer link. Further research on differences in HPV-related oral cancer knowledge and attitudes by sexual orientation and the intersection of other demographic factors is warranted.

Prevalence of HPV-DNA and E6 mRNA in lung cancer of HIV-infected patients

HIV-infected individuals could be at a greater risk for developing lung cancer than the general population due to the higher prevalence in the former of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the oral cavity and higher smoking rates. Our aim was to assess HPV prevalence and E6 viral oncogene transcription in lung cancer samples from HIV-infected individuals. This was a single-center, retrospective study of a cohort of HIV-1-infected patients diagnosed with and treated for lung cancer. Pathological lung samples archived as smears or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks were subjected to HPV genotyping, detection of human p16 protein and assessment for HPV E6 mRNA expression. Lung cancer samples from 41 patients were studied, including squamous cell carcinoma (32%), adenocarcinoma (34%), non-small cell cancer (27%), and small cell cancer (7%). HPV DNA was detected in 23 out of 41 (56%, 95% CI 41–70%) of samples and high-risk (HR)-HPV types were detected in 16 out of 41 (39%, 95% CI 26–54%), HPV-16 being the most prevalent [13/16 (81.3%, 95% CI 57.0–93%]. In samples with sufficient material left: expression of p16 was detected in 3 out of 10 (30%) of HR-HPV DNA-positive tumors and in 3 out of 7 (43%) of the negative ones; and E6 mRNA was detected in 2 out of 10 (20%) of HPV-16-positive samples (squamous lung cancers). These two patients had a background of a previous HPV-related neoplasia and smoking. HR-HPV DNA detection was prevalent in lung cancers in HIV-infected patients. However, viral oncogene expression was limited to patients with previous HPV-related cancers.

Lineage and phylogenetic analysis of HPV-16, -18 in saliva of HNSCC patients

Aim: Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is a global health problem whose incidence varies by geographic region and race according to risk factors. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a significant risk factor for HNSCC. HPV-16 and HPV-18 are two forms of HPV that are carcinogenic. HNSCCs that are HPV positive have a better prognosis rather than HPV negative. The purpose of this research was to characterize HPV-16, -18 variations in the saliva of HNSCC patients by examining the genetic diversity of HPV-16, -18 utilizing the full E6, E7, and L1 genes. Methods: The case-control research included 15 patients with HNSCC and 15 healthy volunteers. Unstimulated entire saliva samples were obtained from the case and control groups by spitting method. Genomic DNA was isolated from all saliva samples. A PCR reaction was used to determine the presence of HPV in saliva. HPV-positive samples were genotyped and data were analyzed. We conducted a variant study on the HPV-16, -18 E6, and E7 genes. Results: Three patients with HNSCC were HPVpositive for two HPV genotypes out of 30 people diagnosed with HPV-DNA. HPV-16 and -18 were the most common genotypes. The HPV-16, -18 E6, and E7 genes were sequenced and compared to the HPV-16, -18 (E6, E7) prototype sequence. In all, HPV-16 lineages A1 and HPV-18 lineages A3 were discovered. Conclusion: Regarding the variation of HPV found in Iranian HNSCC patients, the need for further studies in HPV genotyping was seen. Sequencing HPV genes in HNSCC may help answer questions about HPV genotyping in the Iranian population. HPV genotype analysis aids in the development of vaccinations against HNSCC, halting disease progression and preventing HPV-associated HNSCC.

The Emerging Significance of Histone Lysine Demethylases as Prognostic Markers and Therapeutic Targets in Head and Neck Cancers

Epigenetic aberrations, associated with altered DNA methylation profiles and global changes in the level of histone modifications, are commonly detected in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Recently, histone lysine demethylases have been implicated in the pathogenesis of HNSCC and emerged as potential molecular targets. Histone lysine demethylases (KDMs) catalyze the removal of methyl groups from lysine residues in histones. By affecting the methylation of H3K4, H3K9, H3K27, or H3K36, these enzymes take part in transcriptional regulation, which may result in changes in the level of expression of tumor suppressor genes and protooncogenes. KDMs are involved in many biological processes, including cell cycle control, senescence, DNA damage response, and heterochromatin formation. They are also important regulators of pluripotency. The overexpression of most KDMs has been observed in HNSCC, and their inhibition affects cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell motility, invasiveness, and stemness. Of all KDMs, KDM1, KDM4, KDM5, and KDM6 proteins are currently regarded as the most promising prognostic and therapeutic targets in head and neck cancers. The aim of this review is to present up-to-date knowledge on the significance of histone lysine demethylases in head and neck carcinogenesis and to discuss the possibility of using them as prognostic markers and pharmacological targets in patients’ treatment.

Incidence and survival in oral and pharyngeal cancers in Finland and Sweden through half century

Background

Cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx encompass a heterogeneous group of cancers for which known risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption and human papilloma virus (HPV) infection but their influence is site-specific with HPV mainly influencing oropharyngeal cancer. Their incidence and survival rates are not well known over extended periods of time.

Patients/methods

Data were obtained for Finnish (FI) and Swedish (SE) patients from the Nordcan database recently updated through 2019. Age-adjusted incidence trends (FI from 1953, SE from 1960) and relative survival rates for years 1970 through 2019 were calculated.

Results

We observed a prominent increase in oral and oropharyngeal cancers in FI and SE men and women but the trend for oral cancer was interrupted for SE men in 1985 and possibly also for FI and SE women in 2015. The trend changes in male and female oral cancer was confirmed in data for Denmark and Norway. Relative survival for these cancers has improved overall but they differed for one cluster of oral, oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal cancers with 60–70% 5-year survival in the last period and hypopharyngeal cancer with 25% male survival. In all these cancers, survival for old patients was unfavorable.

Discussion/conclusion

We hypothesize that reduction in smoking prevalence helped to stop the increase in oral cancer especially in men. As the prevalence of smoking is decreasing, HPV is becoming a dominant risk factor, particularly for the increasing oropharyngeal cancer. Prevention needs to emphasize sexual hygiene and HPV vaccination.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09337-2.

How Much Does HIV Positivity Affect the Presence of Oral HPV? A Molecular Epidemiology Survey

HIV-positive people showed a high oral prevalence of HPV-DNA and have a greater incidence of head and neck carcinomas compared to general population. We performed a molecular survey evaluating the presence of HPV-DNA in saliva of HIV-positive and HIV-negative subjects in order to quantify the risk represented by HIV-positivity. The sample was made up by 102 subjects: 40 HIV-positive, 32 HIV-negative with sexual risk behaviors (SRB) and 30 HIV-negative without risk factors. DNA was extracted from cellular pellets and HPV detection and genotyping were performed by PCR assays. In the HIV-positive group (of which 58.3% declared SRB) 33.33% of the sample were HPV-positive (33.33% to high-risk genotypes, 25.0% to low-risk genotypes and 41.66% to other genotypes). In the HIV-negative SRB group, HPV-positive subjects were 37.04% (60.0% to high risk genotypes, 20.0% to low risk genotypes, and 20.0% to other genotypes). Finally, in the control group, the HPV-positive subjects were 7.14% (50% to high-risk genotypes and 50% to low-risk genotypes). In the HIV group, concerning the HPV positivity, there was no significant difference between subjects with and without SRBs. In summary, we found a high oral HPV-DNA detection in HIV+ group, showing a strong relationship between HIV and HPV.

Phytochemicals as Potential Chemopreventive and Chemotherapeutic Agents for Emerging Human Papillomavirus-Driven Head and Neck Cancer: Current Evidence and Future Prospects

Head and neck cancer (HNC) usually arises from squamous cells of the upper aerodigestive tract that line the mucosal surface in the head and neck region. In India, HNC is common in males, and it is the sixth most common cancer globally. Conventionally, HNC attributes to the use of alcohol or chewing tobacco. Over the past four decades, portions of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive HNC are increasing at an alarming rate. Identification based on the etiological factors and molecular signatures demonstrates that these neoplastic lesions belong to a distinct category that differs in pathological characteristics and therapeutic response. Slow development in HNC therapeutics has resulted in a low 5-year survival rate in the last two decades. Interestingly, HPV-positive HNC has shown better outcomes following conservative treatments and immunotherapies. This raises demand to have a pre-therapy assessment of HPV status to decide the treatment strategy. Moreover, there is no HPV-specific treatment for HPV-positive HNC patients. Accumulating evidence suggests that phytochemicals are promising leads against HNC and show potential as adjuvants to chemoradiotherapy in HNC. However, only a few of these phytochemicals target HPV. The aim of the present article was to collate data on various leading phytochemicals that have shown promising results in the prevention and treatment of HNC in general and HPV-driven HNC. The review explores the possibility of using these leads against HPV-positive tumors as some of the signaling pathways are common. The review also addresses various challenges in the field that prevent their use in clinical settings.