Factors in Oncogenesis: Viral Infections in Ovarian Cancer

Abstract

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death in women, with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) being the most lethal gynecologic malignancy among women. This high fatality rate is the result of diagnosis of a high number of new cases when cancer implants have already spread. The poor prognosis is due to our inadequate understanding of the molecular mechanisms preceding ovarian malignancy. Knowledge about the site of origination has been improved recently by the discovery of tube intraepithelial cancer (TIC), but the potential risk factors are still obscure. Due to high tumoral heterogeneity in OC, the establishment of early stage biomarkers is still underway. Microbial infection may induce or result in chronic inflammatory infection and in the pathogenesis of cancers. Microbiome research has shed light on the relationships between the host and microbiota, as well as the direct roles of host pathogens in cancer development, progression, and drug efficacy. While controversial, the detection of viruses within ovarian malignancies and fallopian tube tissues suggests that these pathogens may play a role in the development of OC. Genomic and proteomic approaches have enhanced the methods for identifying candidates in early screening. This article summarizes the existing knowledge related to the molecular mechanisms that lead to tumorigenesis in the ovary, as well as the viruses detected in OC cases and how they may elevate this process.

The role of microbiota in epithelial ovarian cancer: a scoping review

“…Researchers have also observed reductions in vaginal Lactobacillus species during HPV infection [76]. Consistent with some existing literature, HPV types 6, 16, 18, 45, and CMV were the most common viruses observed with EOC cases in this review [32]. These findings suggest possible synergistic actions of combined bacterial and viral pathogens during early transformation of epithelial ovarian cells.…”

“…Fallopian tube inflammation is believed to contribute to ovarian cancer development, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) has been associated with increased disease risk [24]. Some investigators further hypothesize associations of Chlamydia trachomatis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human papilloma virus (HPV) with EOC while others have found no such relationship [25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33]. In the lower reproductive tract, the vagina is a nonsterile environment dominated primarily by aerobic bacterial colonies (e.g., Lactobacillus species) [34].…”

Ovarian Granulosa Cells From Women With Pcos Express Low Levels of Sars-Cov-2 Receptors and Co-Factors

“…Despite these limiting factors, we believe that delineating SCARFs expression in various cell types and physiological conditions holds prime importance as they are putative candidates for developing diagnostic, therapeutic interventions and to better understand the pathogenesis and prognosis of COVID-19. There are past evidences showing that viruses like Epstein-Barr virus, Hepatitis virus can infect ovary and replicate in ovum hence leading to vertical transmission and may be responsible for either infertility, oocyte apoptosis, ovarian failure, or may even cause chronic inflammation and cause ovarian cancer too [61][62][63]. Considering these repercussions, it becomes even more important to follow the similar approach like ours, i.e.…”

Detection of Human Cytomegalovirus in Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer and its Impacts on Survival

“…In cancers which are not attributable to infectious agents, chronic inflammation may also play a critical role in the transition from a precancerous condition to invasive malignancy [24]. Ovarian cancer is a highly fatal disease and high grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the most aggressive and common subtype of EOC.…”