A Review of Dietary Prevention of Human Papillomavirus-Related Infection of the Cervix and Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Abstract

The natural history of cervical cancer suggests that prevention can be achieved by modification of the host's immune system through a nutrient-mediated program. This study reviews the preventive role of dietary intake on cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) induced by human papillomavirus (HPV). Electronic databases were searched using relevant keywords such as, but not limited to, human papillomavirus infection, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, lifestyle factors, nutrients intake, and diet. High consumption of fruit and vegetables appears to be protective against CIN. The findings also highlight the possibility of consuming high levels of specific nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, and retaining sufficient level of these elements in the body, especially those with high antioxidants and antiviral properties, to prevent progression of transient and persistent HPV infections to high-grade CIN 2 and 3 (including in situ cervical cancer). The protective effect is not significant for high-risk HPV persistent infections and invasive cervical cancer. Although it appears that intake of specific nutrients, vitamins, and minerals may be good in CIN prevention, there is lack of evidence from controlled trial to confirm this. Health professionals shall focus on implementation of a balanced-diet prevention strategy at an early stage for cervical cancer prevention.

Anal cancer and intraepithelial neoplasia: epidemiology, screening and prevention of a sexually transmitted disease

“…44,45 High consumption of fruits, vegetables, vitamins and minerals with antioxidant properties helps to reduce progression of HPV infections to high-grade lesions. 46 The quadrivalent HPV vaccine (types 6, 11, 16 and 18) protects against high-grade cervical lesions 47,48 and against high-grade anal dysplasia among men who have sex with men. 49 Rates of high-grade dysplasia related to the types of HPV against which the vaccine protects were reduced by 54.2% (95% CI 18.0-75.3) in the intention-totreat population and by 74.9% (95% CI 8.8-95.4) in the per-protocol population.…”

Fatores dietéticos e persistência da infecção por HPV em homens

“…Deficiências de vitaminas e minerais, entre outros nutrientes, podem levar a danos no DNA e ao sistema imunológico, alterações genéticas permanentes, e por consequência, a um risco aumentado de infecção e ocorrência de câncer (CHIH et al, 2013). Nesse sentido, estudos indicam que o folato, as vitaminas A, C e E e o metabólito ativo da vitamina D têm a habilidade de inibir a proliferação celular, prevenir danos ao DNA e reduzir a imunossupressão (GARCIA-CLOSAS et al, 2005; POWERS, 2005;BORUTINSKAITE et al, 2006;LUONG & NGUYEN, 2010;CHI et al, 2013).…”

“…Deficiências de vitaminas e minerais, entre outros nutrientes, podem levar a danos no DNA e ao sistema imunológico, alterações genéticas permanentes, e por consequência, a um risco aumentado de infecção e ocorrência de câncer (CHIH et al, 2013). Nesse sentido, estudos indicam que o folato, as vitaminas A, C e E e o metabólito ativo da vitamina D têm a habilidade de inibir a proliferação celular, prevenir danos ao DNA e reduzir a imunossupressão (GARCIA-CLOSAS et al, 2005; POWERS, 2005;BORUTINSKAITE et al, 2006;LUONG & NGUYEN, 2010;CHI et al, 2013).Além disso, por ser essencial para a replicação de células basais e da mucosa e para a síntese de proteínas, a deficiência de vitamina A pode levar a um maior risco de infecção e metaplasia. Estudos sugerem, ainda, que nutrientes com função antioxidante teriam papel protetor contra a infecção por HPV e a progressão ao câncer, uma vez que são capazes de prevenir danos celulares e a desregulação da sinalização celular e impedir o aumento da replicação e expressão viral (BECK et al, 1995;DI DOMENICO et al, 2012 (h) não estar em tratamento para doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (DST) (i) não ter sido preso ou ter morado na rua durante os últimos 6 meses;…”

“…Nutrients, vitamins, and minerals have a role in regulating viral integration and gene stability, thus preventing cancer development 11,14 . Consuming foods, particularly plant-based foods, that support normal DNA methylation has the potential to suppress expression of viral oncogenes, promote proper signaling pathways, avoid cell transformation, and reduce the risk of cancer in humans 14,15,16 . Despite the epidemiological support for a role of dietary intake and nutritional status in carcinogenic process, few take into consideration HPV infection and persistence 11 , especially in men.…”

“…Some studies discuss the possible relation between diet and the risk of HPV and the role of food in persistent infections [10][11][12][13][14] . Nutrients, vitamins, and minerals have a role in regulating viral integration and gene stability, thus preventing cancer development 11,14 .…”