Lack of association between human papillomavirus infection and colorectal cancer

Abstract

IntroductionColorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with nearly one million new cases identified annually. Different factors might cause colorectal cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers among both men and women. Viral aetiology in cancerous malignancies is a very important issue and so far a number of viral strains have been identified as tumour oncogene viruses. Viral infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), have recently been suggested as a risk factor for colorectal cancer. However, the aetiology of the disease is still unknown.AimTo assessed the association between HPV infection and colorectal cancer.Material and methodsIn this study, 50 cancer tissue samples and 50 samples without colon cancer were studied in order to identify HPV through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of 42 adenocarcinomas, 10 were well differentiated, 30 moderated differentiated, and 2 were poorly differentiated. DNA extraction was verified by beta globin gene amplification; specific PCR was carried out based on HPV L1 consensus primers MY09/MY11.ResultsHPV DNA was not identified in any of the normal, adenocarcinoma, or adenoma samples.ConclusionsIn contrast with previous studies, the current research failed to establish a relationship between HPV infection and the incidence of colon cancer. Considering the existing inconsistencies, it is recommended that further studies be conducted with larger sample size.

HPV and the Development of Colorectal Cancer

“…Our outcomes are consistent with other studies, which could not reveal the DNA of HPV in colorectal tumors and controls (Gazzaz et al, 2016;Aghakhani et al, 2014;Taherian et al, 2014;Yavuzer et al, 2011;Gornick et al, 2010;Urisman et al, 2006;Perez et al, 2005;Boguszakova et al, 1988;Shah et al, 1992). In one of these studies conducted by Aghakhani et al (2014), the team examined the incidence of HPV genome in 70 samples of colorectal neoplasms, and 30 patients with adenoma and 30 tumor adjacent tissues (as control).…”

“…All tested carcinomas and adenomas as well as tumor adjacent tissues were negative for all types of HPV in two PCR assays. Other research, conducted by Taherian et al (2014), could not identify HPV DNA in the recruited cases. These discrepancies can be clarified by the differences among sample sizes of previous studies, technique sensitivity, population geographic diversity, strains of HPV and its incidence.…”

“…Later in 1995, Cheng et al (1995) were the first to report HPV involvement in colorectal carcinoma. However, HPV has continued to be a debatable subject as a carcinogenic agent of colorectal cancer (Gazzaz et al, 2016;Aghakhani et al, 2014;Taherian et al, 2014;Burnett-Hartman et al, 2011;Gornick et al, 2010;Damin et al, 2007;Perez, Abba, Laguens, & Golijow, 2005;Shah, Daniel, Simons, & Vogelstein, 1992;Shroyer et al, 1992). Furthermore, the exact role of HPV in colorectal pathogenesis is somehow not clear.…”

“…A relationship between the development of malignant colorectal tumors and human papilloma virus infection was described (Yavuzer et al, 2011;Burnett-Hartman et al, 2008;Damin et al, 2007). However, HPV aetiology of colorectal cancer is still an intriguing subject (Gazzaz, Mosli, Jawa, & Sibiany 2016;Aghakhani et al, 2014;Taherian, Tafvizi, Fard & Abdirad, 2014;Gornick et al, 2010).…”

Original paper Epstein-Barr virus DNA in colorectal carcinoma in Iranian patients

“…Thus, this issue remains ambiguous. In another study, the lack of an association between human papillomavirus and colorectal cancer was reported in Iranian patients [12].…”