The Value of CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, and CXCL8 as Potential Prognosis Markers in Cervical Cancer: Evidence of E6/E7 from HPV16 and 18 in Chemokines Regulation

Single-cell transcriptomics unveils multifaceted immune heterogeneity in early-onset versus late-onset cervical cancer

Early-onset (EOCC) and late-onset cervical cancers (LOCC) represent two clinically distinct subtypes, each defined by unique clinical manifestations and therapeutic responses. However, their immunological profiles remain poorly explored. Herein, we analyzed single-cell transcriptomic data from 4 EOCC and 4 LOCC samples to compare their immune architectures. Epithelial cells in EOCC exhibited a notable dual immunological phenotype, characterized by immune-suppressive properties driven by elevated CXCL production, alongside immune-stimulatory features linked to heightened HLA molecule expression. CD4 + and CD8 + T cells in LOCC demonstrated a heightened activation state, while NK cells exhibited diminished cytotoxicity. Macrophages in LOCC displayed enhanced polarization towards both M1 and M2 phenotypes, along with dendritic cells showing augmented antigen-presenting capacity. Regarding cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), EOCC was enriched with inflammatory CAFs, whereas LOCC harbored a higher proportion of antigen-presenting CAFs. These findings reveal the multifaceted immune heterogeneity between EOCC and LOCC, underscoring the imperative for age-tailored immunotherapeutic strategies.

Identification and validation the predictive biomarkers based on risk-adjusted control chart in gemcitabine with or without erlotinib for pancreatic cancer therapy

Background

In a randomized clinical controlled trial (PA.3) conducted by the Canadian Cancer Trials Group, the effects of gemcitabine combined with the targeted drug erlotinib (GEM-E) versus gemcitabine alone (GEM) on patients with unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic pancreatic cancer were studied. This trial statistically demonstrated that the GEM-E combination therapy moderately improves overall survival (OS) of patients. However, real-world analysis suggested that GEM-E for pancreatic cancer was not more effective than GEM. The heterogeneity in outcomes or treatment effect exist. Thus, we tried to find predictive biomarkers to identifying the heterogeneous patients.

Methods

Of the 569 eligible patients, 480 patients had plasma samples. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model were used to identify baseline characteristics related to OS, and a risk adjusted Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) control chart based on a weighted score test from the Cox model was constructed to monitor patients' survival risk. Maximally selected rank statistics were constructed to identifying the predictive biomarkers, in addition, a risk adjusted control chart based on a weighted score test from the Cox model was constructed to validating the predictive biomarkers, discover the patients who sensitive to the GEM-E or GEM.

Results

Three baseline characteristics (ECOG performance status, extent of disease, and pain intensity) were identified related to prognosis. A risk-adjusted EWMA control chart was constructed and showed that GEM-E did improve OS in a few patients. Three biomarkers (BMP2, CXCL6, and HER2) were identified as predictive biomarkers based on maximum selected rank test, and using the risk-adjusted EWMA control chart to validate the reality and discover some patients who are sensitive to the GEM-E therapy.

Conclusion

In reality, GEM-E has not shown a significant advantage over GEM in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. However, we discovered some patients who are sensitive to the GEM-E therapy based on the predictive biomarkers, which suggest that the predictive biomarkers provide ideas for personalized medicine in pancreatic cancer.

Variable Expression of Oncogene-Induced Senescence/SASP Surrogates in HPV-Associated Precancerous Cervical Tissue

Oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) is a form of cellular senescence triggered by oncogenic signaling and, potentially, by infection with oncogenic viruses. The role of senescence, along with its associated secretory phenotype, in the development of cervical cancer remains unclear. Additionally, the expression of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) has not yet been explored in cervical premalignant lesions infected by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This study aimed to investigate the expression of OIS and SASP markers in HPV-infected cervical precancerous lesions. We used a set of patient-derived precancerous (n = 32) and noncancerous (chronic cervicitis; n = 10) tissue samples to investigate the gene expression of several OIS (LMNB1, CDKN2A, CDKN2B, and CDKN1A), and SASP (IL1A, CCL2, TGFB1, CXCL8, and MMP9) biomarkers using qRT-PCR. OIS status was confirmed in precancerous lesions based on Lamin B1 downregulation by immunohistochemical staining. HPV status for all precancerous lesions was tested. Most of the noncancerous samples showed high Lamin B1 expression, however, precancerous lesions exhibited significant Lamin B1 downregulation (p < 0.001). Fifty-five percent of the precancerous samples were positive for HPV infection, with HPV-16 as the dominant genotype. Lamin B1 downregulation coincided with HPV E6 positive expression. CDKN2A and CDKN2B expression was higher in precancerous lesions compared to noncancerous tissue, while LMNB1 was downregulated. The SASP profile of premalignant lesions included elevated CXCL8 and TGFB1 and reduced IL1A, CCL2, and MMP9. this work shall provide an opportunity to further examine the role of OIS and the SASP in the process of malignant cervical transformation.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination: Progress, Challenges, and Future Directions in Global Immunization Strategies

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread viral pathogen, responsible for a significant burden of cervical and other cancers worldwide. Over the past decades, the development and widespread adoption of prophylactic HPV vaccines have dramatically reduced the incidence of HPV-related diseases. However, despite the efficacy of these vaccines, global immunization efforts still face several obstacles, including low vaccination coverage in low- and middle-income countries, vaccine hesitancy, and disparities in access to healthcare. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of HPV vaccines, including their mechanisms of action, safety profiles, and real-world efficacy. We will explore the impact of HPV vaccines on cancer prevention, examine the challenges related to vaccine distribution and uptake, and assess the role of public health policies in improving global vaccination rates. Additionally, the review will highlight the latest advancements in therapeutic HPV vaccines, ongoing research into next-generation vaccines, and the potential of HPV vaccination strategies in the context of personalized medicine. By examining these factors, we aim to provide insights into the future directions of HPV vaccination and its role in global public health.

DNA damage response and inflammatory response: Two traffic lights for HPVs on the road to transformation

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are non-enveloped double-stranded DNA viruses. When HPV infection persists, infected tissues can develop many HPV-related diseases such as cervical cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. To establish their persistent infection, HPVs have evolved mechanisms to manipulate the host cellular processes such as DNA damage response (DDR), which includes homologous recombination, nonhomologous end joining, and microhomology-mediated end joining. Additionally, HPVs utilize host inflammatory processes to facilitate their life cycles. Here, we bridge the concepts of DDR and inflammatory response, and discuss how HPV proteins orchestrate a sophisticated manipulation of DDR and inflammation to promote their viral replication, ultimately fostering the progression of infected cells towards oncogenic transformation to malignancy.

Emerging paradigms: unmasking the role of oxidative stress in HPV-induced carcinogenesis

The contribution of the human papillomavirus (HPV) to cancer is significant but not exclusive, as carcinogenesis involves complex mechanisms, notably oxidative stress. Oxidative stress and HPV can independently cause genome instability and DNA damage, contributing to tumorigenesis. Oxidative stress-induced DNA damage, especially double-strand breaks, aids in the integration of HPV into the host genome and promotes the overexpression of two viral proteins, E6 and E7. Lifestyle factors, including diet, smoking, alcohol, and psychological stress, along with genetic and epigenetic modifications, and viral oncoproteins may influence oxidative stress, impacting the progression of HPV-related cancers. This review highlights various mechanisms in oxidative-induced HPV-mediated carcinogenesis, including altered mitochondrial morphology and function leading to elevated ROS levels, modulation of antioxidant enzymes like Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione (GSH), and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), induction of chronic inflammatory environments, and activation of specific cell signaling pathways like the Phosphoinositide 3-kinase, Protein kinase B, Mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) and the Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. The study highlights the significance of comprehending and controlling oxidative stress in preventing and treating cancer. We suggested that incorporating dietary antioxidants and targeting cancer cells through mechanisms involving ROS could be potential interventions to mitigate the impact of oxidative stress on HPV-related malignancies.

A Retrospective Analysis from Western Romania Comparing the Treatment and Survivability of p16-Positive versus p16-Negative Oropharyngeal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Oropharyngeal cancer is a global health concern due to its multifaceted nature. Recent molecular studies have linked p16 overexpression, associated with the human papillomavirus, to oropharyngeal cancer and its prognostic implications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study in Western Romania examined 60 patients, categorizing them based on p16 biomarker status: 28 were p16 positive, and 32 were p16 negative. Statistical tests, including Fisher's exact and chi2, were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Patients with p16-positive oropharyngeal cancer exhibited a better prognosis (3-year survival, p = 0.0477; midtreatment, p = 0.0349) and reported lower alcohol (p = 0.0046) and tobacco (p < 0.0001) use.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the importance of p16 testing in oropharyngeal carcinoma diagnosis. It suggests modifying treatment approaches based on p16 status and underscores the differing prognoses associated with p16-positive and p16-negative cases.

Detection of Sialic Acid to Differentiate Cervical Cancer Cell Lines Using a Sambucus nigra Lectin Biosensor

Pap smear screening is a widespread technique used to detect premalignant lesions of cervical cancer (CC); however, it lacks sensitivity, leading to identifying biomarkers that improve early diagnosis sensitivity. A characteristic of cancer is the aberrant sialylation that involves the abnormal expression of α2,6 sialic acid, a specific carbohydrate linked to glycoproteins and glycolipids on the cell surface, which has been reported in premalignant CC lesions. This work aimed to develop a method to differentiate CC cell lines and primary fibroblasts using a novel lectin-based biosensor to detect α2,6 sialic acid based on attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and chemometric. The biosensor was developed by conjugating gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with 5 µg of Sambucus nigra (SNA) lectin as the biorecognition element. Sialic acid detection was associated with the signal amplification in the 1500-1350 cm-1 region observed by the surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRA) effect from ATR-FTIR results. This region was further analyzed for the clustering of samples by applying principal component analysis (PCA) and confidence ellipses at a 95% interval. This work demonstrates the feasibility of employing SNA biosensors to discriminate between tumoral and non-tumoral cells, that have the potential for the early detection of premalignant lesions of CC.