Archive for the ‘HPV Facts’ Category

Cervical Dysplasia And HPV Infection

CERVICAL DYSPLASIA

Cervical dysplasia is the presence of precancerous changes of the cells that make up the inner lining of the cervix. The cervix is the opening of the uterus. A Pap smear is taken during a pelvic exam, and a microscopic analysis of the cell sample will show any sign of cell change.

Squamous intraepithelial lesion is the term used to refer to cervical dysplasia observed in smears of cells taken from the cervix. When cervical dysplasia is seen in a biopsy of tissue rather than a cell smear, it is referred to as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Squamous refers to the type of cells lining the cervix, intraepithelial refers to the fact that these cells are present in the lining tissue of the cervix.

CERVICAL DYSPLASIA CAUSES

Cervical dysplasia is caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Most new infections occur in young (ages 15-25) women. Over 75% of sexually active women are thought to become infected with HPV some time in their life. Most HPV infections do not produce symptoms and resolve over time.

However, some HPV infections persist over time rather than resolve. Persistent HPV infections may lead to the development to genital warts, precancerous changes (cervical dysplasia) of the uterine cervix, as well as cervical cancer. HPV is the one factor that is always present. Other factors may determine if a woman who has the HPV infection goes on to develop cervical cancer.

The HPV types that cause either genital warts or mild dysplasia are the “low risk;” (HPV-6, HPV-11).  The “high-risk” HPV types (HPV-16,HPV-18) are associated with severe dysplasia and cervical cancer.

HPV is transmitted by sexual contact and the risk of infections increase with the number of sexual partners. This also increases the chance of being infected with multiple types of HPV infections. Cigarette smoking, and a suppressed immune system is known to increase the risk for HPV induced dysplasia and cancer.

Things that suppress the immune system are co-infections such as HIV, heavy alcohol consumption, stress, and poor nutrition.

CERVICAL DYSPLASIA DETECTION

Since dysplasia is not typically associated with any symptoms, detection is the only protection once you harbor the infection. Regular cervical cancer screening with a Pap smear and pelvic examinations are the front line of defense.

Most sexually active women will not know if they have an HPV infection. Since most women have been exposed to an HPV infection, it may be critically important to get a Pap smear done yearly.

HPV And Male Circumcision

There a few studies that suggest that male circumcision may assist in the prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Particularly in association with the high-risk subtypes associated with cervical, penile, and other cancers. These studies have been published in The Journal of Infectious Disease.

High-risk subtypes of HPV have been estimated to be present in 99.7 percent of cervical cancers worldwide. It has been shown that women with circumcised partners have a reduced risk for genital cancer.

A COMPELLING CUT

Male circumcision presents some compelling evidence for the practice. However, it may not be a practical solution. The toughest challenge is this isn’t a popular solution nor does it entirely prevent HPV infections.

The compelling evidence consists of two studies; one was carried out by Bertran Auvert MD, PhD, and his team of researchers in France and colleagues from South Africa. In this study uncircumcised men aged 18-24 years old where randomized into either intervention group, to be circumcised, or a control group to remain uncircumcised. During the study, urethral swab samples were collected and tested for HPV. This group was followed for 21 months. All information about their sexual activities was also collected.

Dr. Auvert and colleagues’ found the percentage of high-risk HPV genotypes were lower in the control group. More importantly was that a reduced frequency Of HPV infection reduced the risk of exposure in their female partners.

The second study was by Carrie Nielson PhD, at the Oregon Health and Science University and colleagues at the University of Arizona, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They tested more than four hundred men aged 18-40 years in two U.S. cities during 2002-2005. Sixteen percent of participants were uncircumcised. What was found is that circumcised men were half as likely to have HPV as uncircumcised men.

This finding is not at all surprising since consistent evidence has suggested that male circumcision reduces the frequency of HIV infection in men.

HPV ANSWERS

There is no one conclusive answer to HPV prevention. All that can be expected is to find many avenues to curtail the spread of HPV infections. At this time there is no one magic source, but rather a continuum of different approaches. Rather than watchfully waiting it is best to peruse all directions that offer practical and unique solutions. The ultimate answer will be in applying multiple modalities for a holistic approach to HPV prevention.

Spermicides Help HPV Infection Take Hold

Spermicide is a contraceptive substance that either immobilizes or kills sperm before they enter the uterus. Spermicides are sold as over the counter products.

Spermicide sold in the United States contains the chemical nonoxynol-9, which kills sperm. As a birth control method it isn’t particularly effective. It is used some of the time with a condom, contraceptive sponge or cervical cap to prevent pregnancy. Spermicide doesn’t offer protection from sexually transmitted infections.

SPERMICIDES HELP HPV INFECTIONS TAKE HOLD

“Spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 may enhance the ability of HPV to take hold in the genital tract, at least in animals,” says researcher Jeff Roberts, MD. A postdoctoral fellow at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. The study appears in Natural Medicine.

Roberts and his colleagues first pretreated one group of mice with the spermicide and another group with an inert substance, then exposed both groups to the HPV 16 virus, this is one of the high-risk HPV virus that can cause cervical cancer. A third group, not exposed to the virus or other substances, served as a comparison group.

“One hundred percent of those exposed to nonoxynol-9 got infected” with HPV, Robert tells WebMD. The mice exposed to the inert substance were not infected.

The evidence has shown that spermicides can cause inflammation of the skin which may make acquisition of sexually transmitted infections easier

Nonoxynol-9 seems to compromise the barrier effect of the cells lining the genital tract while not inactivating the virus in any way” says Roberts.

Nonoxynol-9 seems to compromise the barrier effect of the cells lining the genital tract while not inactivating the virus in any way” says Roberts.

“There is some evidence that the spermicides can cause inflammation of the skin, which may make acquisition of sexually transmitted infections more likely,” Wyand says.

Spermicides Help HPV Infection Take Hold

CARRAGEENAN TO THE RESCUE

The next thing the researchers focused on was the use the use of a substance used as a thickening agent in foods, and also used in some vaginal lubricants.

The researches used pure carrageenan for the study. They pretreated one group of mice with the spermicide and another group with both the spermicide and carrageenan. The third group wasn’t pretreated with anything and wasn’t exposed to the virus.

“None of the animals exposed to both the spermicide and carrageenan got infected with HPV” reported Roberts.  But of those exposed just to the spermicide, “all were infected,” Roberts said.

Exactly how carrageenan protects isn’t certain, either, Roberts say. It may interfere with the HPV interaction at the cellular level, helping to prevent infection, he tells WebMD.

The study found that using a vaginal lubricant containing the ingredient carrageemam seems to protect against getting HPV infection, even in the presence of nonoxynol-9.

PROTECTION

Protecting your reputation is not the issue anymore, protecting your life is now recognized as what counts.

Though the new HPV vaccine, Gardasil, can protect against some types of HPV, it doesn’t work on all the strains. For that reason, Roberts with some other public health experts believe it is important to consider other interventions against HPV to reduce the toll of cervical cancer.

The best bet is self care, good nutrition, no smoking, little drinking, and less stress. Using appropriate precautions would seem to include a top of the line lubricant with carrageenan.

Click here to read Spermicides Help HPV Infection, part 1

CARRAGEEN HPV INHIBITOR

Researchers have discovered a potent inhibitor of the human papilloma viruses (HPV), in Carrageen. In laboratory tests, carrageenan, a compound derived from red algae, prevented HPV infection particularly the types that cause cervical cancer and genital warts.

Carageenan inhibits the infectious ability of genital HPV with nearly a thousand-fold greater potency that other inhibitors tested.

CARRAGEENANS SECRET

 

Carrageen can become the most potent weapon against HPV infection. Knowing how it works will instill confidence in both the medical practitioner and consumer.

Carrageenan, is a type of sulfated polysaccharide extracted from red algae, which turns out to be an extremely potent infection inhibitor. It works for a broad range of sexually transmitted HPVs. Although carrageenan can inhibit herpes simplex viruses and some strains of HIV in vitro, genital HPVs are about a thousand-fold more susceptible.

Carrageen acts by preventing the binding of HPV virions to cells. Carageenan is in widespread, commercial use as a thickener in a variety of cosmetic and food products, including sexual lubricants. Some of these products block HPV in vitro, even when diluted a million-fold.

LABORATORY TESTS

 

In laboratory tests, by the National Cancer Institute Christopher Buck, the lead author of the study and post-doctorial fellow searched for candidate inhibitory compounds by looking for substances that were structurally similar to a key cell surface component involved in HPV infection.

In laboratory tests, carageenan, proved a winner. “We were floored by how much better it worked than anything else we have tested, “It’s effective at 100-fold lower concentration than the next inhibitor we’ve found,” said Dr. John Schiller, senior at the National Cancer Institute.

Normally, HPV attacks cells by attaching to proteins on their surface and then chemically manipulating access to the cells. Carrageenan thwarts this process by attaching to HPV and prevents its entry into cells.

THE FUTURE

 

To prevent and treat HPV will depend on personal responsibility, and products that can deliver protection.

In the world of nature there are many of the most powerful agents that are fresher, cleaner, and stronger at defending us from infection. Staying healthy is sometimes about going green. Effective alchemy comes from the planet’s ability to deliver and our ability to discover its treasures.

It seems that Carageenan is one of nature’s treasures that can expand the options for preventing an HPV infection. Diminishing the possibilities of contracting an HPV infection, would address a growing concern. An ideal candidate for that role would be a carrageen based product.

FRENCH KISSING OPENS THE DOOR TO HPV

In the world of germs, viruses, and infections nothing seems innocent enough. As we ponder the world we live in we see the caution sign popping up everywhere.

ORAL SEX AND OPEN-MOUTHED “FRENCH” KISSING

Oral sex and open-mouthed “French” kissing have something in common the risk of acquiring oral infections. A study shows that there is a risk of acquiring the human papillomavirus, or HPV, through both actions.

Mouth HPV infections are silent, but can lead to oral cancer 10 to 20 years later. Gillison from The Ohio State University, Columbus, and colleagues explored if

sexual behaviors were associated with the odds of oral HPV infection in 332 adults and in 210 college-aged men. They found that 4.8 percent of the adults, and 2.9 percent of college-aged men had oral HPV infection.

For 28 percent of college-aged men who reported never having performed oral sex, having at least 10 lifetime or at least five recent open-mouthed kissing partners was associated with a significantly higher risk of developing HPV infection. This is when a kiss is not just a kiss.

“Our data suggest that oral HPV infections that could predispose to cancer may be transmitted by very common behaviors such as open-mouth or “French” kissing,” Gillison concluded.

HPV THE SPOILER

Oral and pharyngeal cancer is the sixth most common malignancy reported worldwide and with high mortality ratios among all malignancies. In the U.S. there are about 30,000 cases of oral or pharyngeal cancer a year. The 5-year survival rate hasn’t improved much in the last few decades. It stands around 50% at this time.

HPV is a virus that can cause warts and cervical cancers, including endometrial cancer in the uterus. According to a study conducted at the Malmo University Facility of Odontology in southern Sweden, that compared 132 patients with month cancer with a control group of 320 healthy people, Rosenquist found that 36 percent of the cancer patients were carriers of HPC while only one percent of the control group had the virus.

The main factors that contribute to month cancer, which is usually seen in middle aged or older men, are smoking and alcohol use. “But in recent years the illness has been on the rise among young individuals and we don’t know why. But one could speculated that the virus (HPV) is one of the factors,” Rosenquist said.

These findings confirm other international studies. Human Papilloma virus has been linked to 30-40% of oral cancers.

At present about 95 percent of oral cancers occur in those over 45 years of age.

An alarming tread points to younger people getting the diseases who don’t smoke or drink, due to specific strains of HPV.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, HPV-linked oral cancer is the fastest-growing segment of the oral cancer population.

TREND

French kissing is a popular type of kissing. The trend is not likely to change in the near future or even ever change. What is going to be needed is ways to engage in some so called sexual risky behavior with caution, and look into ways to reduce the risk. Needless to say sex is not going to disappear, and neither are the consequences.

What will change is the landscape where options will be available that can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted conditions.