Relationship between p53 overexpression, human papillomavirus infection, and lifestyle in Indian patients with head and neck cancers

Abstract

Exposure to pollutants in the environment, tobacco and alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene and opportunistic viral infections are important aetiological factors in head and neck cancers. In this study, we evaluate the complex interrelationships between these factors and molecular events such as p53 overexpression in causation of head and neck cancers. Tissue samples from 110 patients with histopathologically confirmed carcinoma of head and neck were analyzed from our tissue biorepository with patient consent. Data pertaining to their dietary habits, tobacco and alcohol consumption were abstracted. P53 overexpression was analysed by immunohistochemistry and HPV (high-risk genotype) were studied by Chromogenic in situ Hybridization using an ultra sensitive DNA probe. Chi-square analysis was done to determine relationships between proportions of dependent and independent variables. Bivariate relationships were determined between these variables using Spearman's rank correlation. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the best predictor variable influencing p53 expression. Tobacco consumption especially smoking cigarettes and all forms of tobacco consumption put together and HPV infection significantly influenced p53 overexpression. Forty-five percent of the studied cohort was positive for HPV. Regression analysis showed interaction between tobacco and HPV infection to be a primary predictor (β = 0.31, p = 0.02) for p53 expression. Tobacco in any form: chewing, smoking and snuffing, along with HPV infection is significantly associated with p53 overexpression. There is a high prevalence of HPV infection (45%) in Indian patients suggesting its possible role in the aetiology of head and neck cancer.

Human Papilloma Virus in Oral Cavity Cancer and Relation to Change in Quality of Life Following Treatment—a Pilot Study from Northern India

“…There is conflicting data on the association of tobacco with HPV infection [7,44]. We observed in our data that tobacco consumption in any form is a risk factor, and offenders have higher rate of HPV infection.…”

Oral Carcinoma, HPV Infection, Arsenic Exposure-their Correlation in West Bengal, India

“…Some of the previous studies [3] also suggest this association playing an important role in the development of oral and oropharyngeal malignancy. Moreover a high percentage of cases bearing elevated arsenic count may also focus on its effect in contributing to this malignancy.…”

“…This has been attributed to the human papilloma virus in various Western countries [1]. The reports of HPV prevalence in oral cancer from southern India seem to be highly variable [3]. High association rate of HPV-16 in OSCC cases, between 62% and 95%, have been well documented by various studies.…”

Abnormal expression of GADD45B in human colorectal carcinoma

“…Therefore, there is still controversy regarding the expression and function of GADD45B in various tumors. Abnormal expression of GADD45B is similar to tumor suppressor p53 and phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN), both of which showing high expression in some head and neck cancers, and mammary cancer [40-42]. Further investigations are needed to determine the underlying mechanisms behind the dysfunction of GADD45B and CRC tumorigenesis.…”