Detection of Human Papillomavirus 16 Transcription in Human Prostate Tissue

Abstract

Previously we demonstrated human papillomavirus type 16 DNA in a high proportion of benign hyperplastic (BPH) and cancerous (CaP) prostate specimens using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). While these data designate the prostate as a possible reservoir for sexual transmission of HPV, an etiological role for the virus in prostatic neoplasia is uncertain. Since transcription of the E6/E7 genes of HPV 16 is essential for both viral replication and cellular transformation, we sought to assess the transcriptional activity of HPV 16 found in prostate tissues. The E6/E7 viral gene transcripts were identified in 5 of 10 BPH specimens and 3 of 7 CaP specimens known to contain HPV 16 DNA. Expression of the HPV viral genes is not associated preferentially with either BPH or CaP, nor is transcription observed in all samples which contain the viral genome. These findings suggest that the prostate may act as a site for HPV replication, but that HPV is unlikely to be involved in the transformation of prostatic cells.

Evaluation of Human Papillomavirus Infections in Prostatic Disease: a Cross-Sectional Study in Iran

“…Most investigations reported a high frequency of HPV infection in BPH and PCa samples (McNicol and Dodd, 1991;Silvestre et al, 2009;Aghakhani et al, 2011), other investigations found a possible association between HPV and prostate carcinogenesis (Silvestre et al, 2009). On the other hand, wide ranges of studies are not clearly understood any association between HPV infection and prostate carcinogenesis and refuse the causal role of HPV infection in progression of BPH (Dodd et al, 1993;Noda et al, 1998;Leiros et al, 2005;Gazzaz and Mosli, 2009;Aghakhani et al, 2011;Chen et al, 2011;Smelov et al, 2011).…”

Viruses in the Mammalian Male Genital Tract and Their Effects on the Reproductive System

“…A secondary adult human prostate epithelial cell culture, on transfection with a plasmid containing the entire type 18 HPV genome, acquired an indefinite, life span in culture but did not undergo malignant conversion (267). Thus, although there are strong arguments in favor of the prostate being an important reservoir for the transmission of HPV (18,101,282,333,350), the involvement of HPV in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer is still a subject of great controversy. For example, two laboratories with extensive experience in HPV research recently tested specimens from two populations with different risks of prostate carcinoma, using three different PCR assays and two serologic assays for HPV.…”

Human Papillomavirus Infection and Human Cancer

“…The association between HPV and cancer of the prostate is discussed e.g. by Dodd et al [1993], Martinez-Fierro et al [2010] as well as by Lin et al [2011].…”

“…As stated above, Dodd et al [1993] underlines that the human prostate gland may act as a reservoir of HPV. In his book, Zur Hausen [2011] declares that the role of HPVs is unclear in the develop-ment of the prostate cancer.…”

“…carcinoma of the prostate). In an earlier paper, Dodd et al [1993] state that the human prostate gland may perform a function as a reservoir of HPV.…”