A possible involvement of aberrant expression of the FHIT gene in the carcinogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix

To investigate involvement of an aberrant expression of the FHIT (fragile histidine triad) gene in the process of carcinogenesis and progression in cervical carcinoma, we examined its expression by the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and cDNA sequence method in 32 cervical invasive carcinomas (25 squamous cell carcinomas and seven adeno- or adenosquamous carcinomas) and 18 of its precursor lesions [four low-grade and 14 high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CINs)]. We also examined a link between the occurrence of the aberrant expression and human papillomavirus (HPV). We detected the aberrant FHIT transcripts in 11 of 25 (44%) cervical invasive squamous cell carcinomas and in 5 of 14 (36%) high-grade CINs (CIN 2 or 3), whereas they were not found in seven non-squamous type and four low-grade CINs (CIN 1). The alteration patterns of the FHIT gene expression in high-grade CINs were virtually similar to those found in invasive carcinomas, such that the exons 5–7 were consistently deleted associated or unassociated with loss of the exon 4 and/or 8. The incidence of the aberrant expression was not related to the presence of HPV and its type. These data indicate that the aberrant expression of the FHIT gene is observed in precursor lesions of cervical carcinoma as well as invasive carcinomas, with its incidence not increasing with advance of clinical stage. Given the squamous cell type dominant expression, the aberrant expression may play a critical role in the generation of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix, but not the consequence of the progression of the cancer. © 1999 Cancer Research Campaig

Translational Mini-Review Series on Vaccines: Monitoring of human papillomavirus vaccination

ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN THIS MINI-REVIEW SERIES ON VACCINES Peptide vaccines for myeloid leukaemias. Clin Exp Immunol 2007; 148: doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03383.x The Edward Jenner Museum and the history of vaccination. Clin Exp Immunol 2007; 147: doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03304.x Dendritic cell-based vaccines in renal cancer. Clin Exp Immunol 2007; 147: doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03305.xDevelopment and evaluation of improved vaccines against tuberculosis. Clin Exp Immunol 2007; 147: doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03306.

Notas sobre los orígenes del poblamiento del valle de Salazar (Navarra)

The first documented cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were characterized by the presence of rare Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) skin lesions. More than 10 years later, it was discovered that the causative agent of KS was a γ-herpesvirus, human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) (KS-associated herpesvirus, KSHV). It is now abundantly clear that cancers induced by viral agents [such as, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV)] are exacerbated by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and subsequent immune suppression. For example, the incidence of and primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma (PCNSL) and Hodgkin’s and high grade B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), anal, penile, oral, and invasive cervical carcinomas are much higher in AIDS patients. Also common in the AIDS-afflicted, are hematopoietic cancers, B- and T-cell lymphomas, myelosarcomas, lung cancers, and gastrointestinal tract cancers. The development of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has proved effective in inducing regression of PCNSL, NHL, KS, and other cancers caused by viruses, extending the life span and quality of life of AIDS patients. However, the general availability of HAART and other antiretrovirals in developing countries, where most HIV infections are reported, is still poor. Furthermore, several reports indicate that HAART is not effective in reversing HPV-induced cervical cancers, for unknown reasons. The development of the prophylactic HPV vaccine offers some hope that future generations can be protected against cervical and penile cancers. However, in countries with high rates of cervical cancers, such as in sub-Saharan Africa, the rate of HIV-positivity approaches 30%, antiretrovirals are scarce, and the HPV vaccine is not available, nor would it be effective for those already infected with HPVs. Thus, better methods of surveillance and management of these malignancies in HIV-positive individuals continues to be a need