Evaluation of Cytokines of Human Papillomavirus by RT-qPCR

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) are double-stranded DNA viruses belonging to the Papillomaviridae family.As the most common sexually transmitted infection globally, HPV infection is widespread. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. It is a heterogeneous disease that ranges from slow-growing tumors with favorable prognosis to aggressive subtypes with poor outcomes. Increasing evidence suggests that viral infections, including Human Papillomavirus (HPV), may contribute to breast cancer pathogenesis. This study aims to evaluate the presence of HPV in breast cancer patients and its association with the expression levels of  cytokines.

Materials and Methods:   A total of 100 whole blood and serum samples were collected from breast cancer patients between October and December 2024 at the Middle Euphrates Cancer Center in Al-Najaf Governorate, Iraq. HPV infection was detected using molecular diagnostic methods, and expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were measured using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).

Results:  Expression analysis revealed significantly decreased levels of IL-6 (P < 0.0001), and IL-18 (P < 0.001) in HPV-positive breast cancer patients compared to HPV-negative cases.

Conclusion: A significant reduction in the expression of  IL-6, and IL-18 was observed in HPV-positive cases, indicating a potential suppressive effect of HPV on key immunological and regulatory pathways within the tumor microenvironment.