Systemic Immune-Inflammation Markers Associate With Cervical Human Papillomavirus Infection in Asymptomatic Women

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gynecology
• Oncology

Background:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a primary cause of cervical cancer, typically localized to the cervix.
• The systemic immune response to localized HPV infection in asymptomatic women is not well understood.
• This study investigates the link between HPV infection and systemic immune-inflammation markers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess systemic immune-inflammation markers in asymptomatic women with HPV infection and cytological abnormalities.
• To determine if markers like monocyte count, SIRI, LMR, and NMR correlate with HPV status.
• To explore the systemic immune effects of HPV beyond the cervical microenvironment.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 145,889 women undergoing HPV DNA testing and cervical cytology (2016-2022).
• Participants categorized into HPV-negative/normal cytology (H0C0), HPV-positive/normal cytology (H1C0), and HPV-positive/abnormal cytology (H1C1).
• Analysis of systemic immune-inflammation markers including monocyte count, SIRI, LMR, and NMR using multinomial logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Higher monocyte counts were significantly associated with increased risk of both H1C0 and H1C1.
• Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI) showed a positive association with HPV infection status.
• Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and Neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio (NMR) were inversely associated with H1C1, with LMR inversely associated with both H1C0 and H1C1.

Conclusions:

• HPV infection is associated with systemic immune-inflammatory alterations, notably elevated monocyte counts, even in the absence of cytological abnormalities.
• Monocyte-related markers may be relevant for assessing the systemic immune effects of HPV infection.
• Findings suggest HPV's impact extends beyond localized cervical changes, influencing systemic immunity.