Molecular Targets and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in HPV Infection

Abstract

"Recent research has highlighted the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of HPV-related lesions, especially in neoplastic diseases. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are the most important cofactors that HPV requires to persist and induce a malignant process. Data on the role of oxidative stress in benign lesions associated with HPV infection, such as genital and non-genital warts, is scarce and further research is needed. We have determined markers of oxidative stress in the serum of 26 patients with palmoplantar warts and 28 healthy subjects. We have investigated representative markers for the four main molecular targets of oxidative stress, nucleic acids – 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), lipids – 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), carbohydrates – pentosidine, and proteins – thiol-disulfide homeostasis parameters (TDHP): total thiol (TT), native thiol (NT), and disulfides (DS). The serum levels of oxidative stress markers, 4-HNE, 8-OHdG, and pentosidine, were statistically significantly higher in patients with warts in comparison to the control group (p < 0.01). Regarding TDHP, we have found that TT levels were statistically significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control one (p < 0.05). Even though NT and DS levels were reported to be higher in the patient group compared to the control one, no statistical significance was established (p > 0.05). Our results show enhanced oxidative stress damage in patients with palmoplantar warts and provide valuable data in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HPV infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate both 4-HNE and pentosidine in patients with palmoplantar warts. Keywords: oxidative stress, HPV, warts, thiol-disulfide homeostasis."