Molecular evidence of high-risk human papillomavirus infection in colorectal tumours from Cuban patients

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2016 Dec;111(12):731-736. doi: 10.1590/0074-02760160217. Epub 2016 Oct 31.

Abstract

The association between colorectal cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is still unproven. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) DNA in colorectal tissues from Cuban patients. A total of 63 colorectal formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues were studied (24 adenocarcinoma, 18 adenoma, and 21 colorectal tissues classified as benign colitis). DNA from colorectal samples was analysed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect the most clinically relevant high HR-HPV types (HPV-16, -18, -31, -33, -45, -52, and -58). Associations between histologic findings and other risk factors were also analysed. Overall, HPV DNA was detected in 23.8% (15/63) of the samples studied. Viral infections were detected in 41.7% of adenocarcinoma (10/24) and 27.7% of adenoma cases (5/18). HPV DNA was not found in any of the negative cases. An association between histological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma and HPV infection was observed (odd ratio = 4.85, 95% confidence interval = 1.40-16.80, p = 0.009). The only genotypes identified were HPV 16 and 33. Viral loads were higher in adenocarcinoma, and these cases were associated with HPV 16. This study provides molecular evidence of HR-HPV infection in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues from Cuban patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / virology*
  • Adenoma / virology*
  • Adult
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / virology*
  • Cuba
  • DNA, Viral / analysis*
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Papillomaviridae / genetics*
  • Papillomavirus Infections / complications*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • DNA, Viral