role of HPV in cervical cancer cells

 role of HPV in cervical cancer cells

Abstract

Cancer primarily manifests itself through abnormal cell growth that slowly spreads to other parts of the body, where it has different stages depending on the extent through which it has spread. While is it described as killer diseases, especially at the later stages, it can be mitigated through a series of medications. Additionally, there are also preventive measures taken to curb it depending on the nature of cancer. These measures range from lifestyle adjustments to vaccinations. It is important to note that different types of cancers affect specific body parts, and understanding them is essential in drawing up preventive measures, diagnosis procedures, and treatment. This essay draws attention to the role of HPV in cervical cancer cells. It also highlights the causes of cervical cancer, its diagnosis, and treatment.

Keywords: HPV, cervical, cell, infection, sexual

Introduction

Human papillomavirus infection (HPV) is a viral infection primarily passed through skin contact, especially from sexual contact[1]. While a good number of HPV infections have no symptoms, they progress gradually. They manifest themselves as warts and lesions[2], which can enhance abnormal cell growth leading to cancer, which is dependent on the body part affected. Because it spreads mainly through unprotected sexual contact, the HPV lesions are common in the mouth, throat, anus, and the sexual organs, which are at a risk of cancer[3]. Furthermore, having multiple sexual partners, early sexual encounters, as well as lifestyle choices such as smoking, enhance the risk of cancer. This, coupled with weak immune systems, sustain the risk of HPV infections leading to cancer.

An individual can be infected by several types of HPV at the same time and are mostly prevented through vaccines available in health centers. These vaccines are recommended to individuals before they become sexually active, and as such, the earlier the vaccine is administered, the better. Cervical cancer is prevalent among people with inadequate access to social facilities[4]. It is attributed to their limited access to information regarding vaccines and preventive behavior. Additionally, others have cases of skin warts and lesions owing to HPV considerations[5].

Epidemiology

Cervical cancer is prevalent among women who have come into contact with HPV DNA that persists to levels where it causes the abnormal growth of cells[6]. Younger women have higher rates as opposed to older women[7]. However, these statistics differ from region to region, where Africa posts the most elevated rates followed by Europe, America, and Asia. HPV16, HPV18, HPV52, and HPV58 are responsible for cervical cancer, especially among sexually active individuals. In addition to this, these types are also disproportionate in that they are influenced by other social and health factors prevalent in these regions[8].

Cervical cancer is a global health concern, and as such, research into the types of HPV leading to cancer is essential in addressing this concern. Understanding the various types of HPV and their relation to cancer is critical in tackling this concern. While there are common types associated with cervical cancer, they are mainly grouped into two depending on their risk factors[9]. HPV16 and HPV 18 are high-risk types whose infections can lead to cervical cancer depending on the sexual exposure and immunity of the individual[10]. As such, the vaccines are developed targeting these specific groups. Additionally, these two types are prevalent globally regardless of region. Other types are not widespread, and they are rarely reported to cause cancer. When they do, they are few and far in between. However, HPV58 is reported as prevalent causes in parts of Asia, especially the southern parts of the continent[11]. As such, research and development of vaccines of south Asia factors in the occurrence of HPV58.

Pathogenesis

HPV affects the bottom layer of the cell before spreading to other regions of the cell[12]. Given that it is a contact viral infection, it is mainly found on cells close to the skin and is stratified to ensure they are evenly spread over this specific region. Over time, the infection spreads to other areas of the cell before it manifests on the skin surface as either lesions or warts depending on the type and severity of the disease. Additionally, the HPV then utilizes the provisions of the host cell, where it gets the necessary nutrients that facilitate its subsequent growth. The encoding of cellular components[13] determines the differences in the two major groups in that the high and low-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer. Additionally, the HPV cells are minute, and their DNA strands are responsible for causing cervical cancer in high-risk cells. In contrast, in the low-risk cells, it manifests itself in warts and lesions that are easily visible on the skin surface. Its development is dependent on how the HPV cells utilize the nutrients of the host cell[14].

Diagnosis and Treatment

Cervical screening is recommended among sexually active individuals, where the frequency of the tests is done depending on the age of the women. Younger women are advised to go for regular check-ups. The cervical testing includes biopsy, which is conducted through colposcopy[15], which provides an in-depth examination of the cervix. The illuminated view enables medical practitioners to look out for cellular anomalies that are tested for traces of HPV infection. Colposcopy gives a visual analysis of the cervix through which the doctors can detect any growths that are not associated with the cervix. The Pap test is also a standard method of testing for carcinogenic cells among women. It is used to look out for abnormal findings within the cervix, where the cells are collected and examined further. The method is recommended among women[16] who are sexually active and are an effective method for screening cervical cancer.

Following diagnosis, treatment is required depending on the stage of cancer and varies from region to region. One treatment option is surgery[17], where the identified carcinogenic cells are removed through pelvic surgery. It is a standard treatment procedure given that it is easily accessible in health facilities and that there are many trained surgeons who can successfully conduct the process. Another treatment procedure is the use of radiation therapy. Through radiation, radioactive cells are isolated and eliminated or controlled depending on the size of the growth. Radiation controls the growth of cells according to the level of exposure. Given that there are many cells in the human body, it is only the carcinogenic cells that are subjected to radiation so that they are killed. The intensity, duration, and exposure depending on the resistance the cells have to different forms of radiation. However, it is essential to have subsequent reviews to check out for tumors that grow as a result of the radiation[18].

Epigenetics

Epigenetic variations occur when cells modify themselves to acquire new attributes that are different from their initial structure. Cells bearing the HPV infection can obtain new structures owing to the alterations of the genetic bearing of the cells as they seek to address the HPV. Through these variations, carcinogenic cells can spread to various parts of the body. By studying these variations, it is possible to establish ways through which the process can be reversed. Additionally, the epigenetic nature of the cells is such that there are medications that can be developed to have similar variations on the cell, thus reversing the spread of carcinogenic cells. Histone modifications affect the gene expressions by altering the structures to arrive at the desired results. Through methylation, genes are repressed depending on the nature of the outcomes that are needed to deal with cancer. While some modification is instrumental in inhibiting cancer cells, other forms of change involve the activation of cells that work to inhibit the growth of carcinogenic cells[19].

The role of cancer inhibitors in treating cancer is fast gathering speed. These inhibitors are administered as drugs that complement different treatment procedures. With depths in research and medical developments, inhibitors are targeted to provide next-generation approaches to cancer treatment and management. Kinase inhibitors are precise in their function in that they target the cells that are resistant to other forms of treatment. Furthermore, they are essential in therapeutic approaches aided by epigenetic variations that provide positive results in tackling cancer cells. Additionally, the inhibitors are reversible in the application in that they can be modified depending on the nature of resistance they face from the body cells. Kinase inhibitors enhance the cells to develop an immune response to carcinogenic cells, thus vital in treating cervical cancer, which thrives in low immunity[20]. Aims

This article seeks to address the role of HPV in cervical cancer cells while highlighting the leading causes of HPV infections as well as the ways through which they can be spread from person to person. Focusing on the available literature, it compares the different types of cervical cancer cells and the risk they pose on the body. Additionally, the article also highlights the various treatment procedures available to patients as well as the responses from exposure to these procedures. The essay also draws attention to the role played by cancer inhibitors in gene expressions. Furthermore, it also captures the results of how cells respond to histone modifications. Through this, epigenetic changes are studied to find out which modifications are responsible for curing cancer cells and those that inhibit cancer progression.

Literature review

Existing literature on cervical cancer and HPV highlights how the risks are manifested from one region to another. Through historical research, it associates HPV infections to viruses that are spread through skin contact either with an infected person or with a surface containing the microorganisms. Moreover, it emphasizes the regional disparities and, as such, provides us with knowledge of the most appropriate preventive measures and vaccine relevant to the regions under study. Medical professions who have specialized in the subject matter have authored the literature, thus lending its credibility and authority. Despite the accuracy in data, it contains medical lingua, which makes it hard for the general public to comprehend. From a medical perspective, the accuracy of the data presents building blocs essential in investigating HPV in cervical cancer cells. Whereas the literature has sound historical backing and is informative on current studies, it also provides updates on on-going research that aims to provide next-generation treatment methods for cervical cancer.

The historical backing gives the literature more credibility in that it provides to the existing body of knowledge on cervical cancer dating back to the earliest records. Moreover, it gives insight into the gradual response of medical practitioners to cervical cancer based on the technological limitations of each period. Through research, the literature has provided for further development of knowledge regarding cervical cancer as well as giving ways through which HPV cells can be mitigated based on cell modifications and inhibitors. Also, the literature reviews lays emphasis on the role of research in developing genetic ways of addressing HPV cells in the body. It focuses on the shortcomings of existing limitations to come up with responsive measures that aim at boosting the immune system of the body. The role of preventive measures is captured in the literature where it calls upon for adequate education on individuals who at high risk of cervical cancer. Early vaccination and developing of vaccines depending on the HPV cells are noted as instrumental in tackling cervical cancer. While providing an avenue for next-generation treatment of cervical cancer using cancer inhibitors and histone modifiers, it highlights possible challenges, especially in identifying patients to conduct trial medication on. Nonetheless, it also gives insights on possible ways to overcome these challenges based on current studies. It notes that comparative studies will be essential in developing next-generation treatment procedures that will guarantee the health of women globally.