Human papillomavirus types in non-cervical high-grade intraepithelial neoplasias and invasive carcinomas from San Luis Potosí, Mexico: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Malignancy Associated with Low-Risk HPV6 and HPV11: A Systematic Review and Implications for Cancer Prevention

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is etiologically related to cervical cancer, other anogenital cancers and oropharyngeal carcinomas. Low-risk HPV, especially HPV6 and HPV11, cause genital warts and laryngeal papillomas. However, the accumulating data suggests that HPV6 and HPV11 may cause malignant lesions at non-cervical anatomic sites. This review aims to estimate the proportions of single and dual HPV6/11 infections in multiple cancers reported in the last 10 years in the Cochrane, Embasa and PubMed databases. Secondly, the genomes of HPV6/11 were compared with the most common high-risk genotype, HPV16, to determine the similarities and differences. A total of 11 articles were selected, including between one and 334 HPV+ cancer patients. The frequencies of single or dual HPV6/11 infections ranged between 0-5.5% for penile and 0-87.5% for laryngeal cancers and were null for vulvar, vaginal and oral cancers. The genomic similarities between HPV6/11 and HPV16 mainly involved the E7 gene, indicating a limited ability to block cell differentiation. The presence of single or dual HPV6/11 infections in variable proportions of penile and laryngeal cancers support the vaccination strategies that cover these genotypes, not only for preventing genital warts but also for cancer prevention. Other risk factors and co-carcinogens are likely to participate in epithelial carcinogenesis associated with low-risk HPV.

Maternal HPV Infection: Effects on Pregnancy Outcome

The human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, caused by a ubiquitous virus typically transmitted through the direct contact of infected organs, either through the skin or mucosa, is the most common sexually transmitted infection, placing young women at a high risk of contracting it. Although the vast majority of cases spontaneously clear within 1-2 years, persistent HPV infection remains a serious concern, as it has repeatedly been linked to the development of multiple malignancies, including cervical, anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancers. Additionally, more recent data suggest a harmful effect of HPV infection on pregnancy. As the maternal hormonal environment and immune system undergo significant changes during pregnancy, the persistence of HPV is arguably favored. Various studies have reported an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among HPV-positive women, with the clinical impact encompassing a range of conditions, including preterm birth, miscarriage, pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders (PIHD), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), low birth weight, the premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and fetal death. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms employed by HPV that negatively impact pregnancy and assessing potential approaches to counteract them would be of interest in the quest to optimize pregnancy outcomes and improve child survival and health.