Molecular Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Types ۱۶ and ۱۸ in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma using Real-time PCR

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been established as a causative agent in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Specifically, HPV types ۱۶ and ۱۸ are known to be prevalent in oral cancers. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of HPV types ۱۶ and ۱۸ in OSCC cases in Qazvin province, Iran. Thirty-eight paraffin-embedded samples of OSCC was selected, and DNA extraction was performed using the Roche High Pure FFPE DNA isolation kit. The quality of the extracted DNA was assessed through PCR amplification of the human β-Globin gene. HPV detection was carried out using SYBR green-based real-time PCR with GP۵+ and GP۶+ primers targeting the L۱ region of HPV. HPV genotyping was conducted on positive samples using specific primers. Statistical analysis was done between HPV infection in OSCC and age, sex, and anatomical location (p < ۰.۰۵ considered significant). This study analyzed ۳۸ biopsy specimens obtained from male and female OSCC patients, with an average age of ۶۴. Among these samples, ۱۳ tested positive for HPV, resulting in a prevalence rate of ۳۴.۲%. The age group with the highest HPV infection rate was ۶۱–۷۰ years (۱۰.۵%). Notably, HPV type ۱۶ was detected in ۲۱.۰% of the samples, HPV type ۱۸ in ۱۰.۵%, and other viral subtypes in ۲.۶%. No statistically significant correlation was found between HPV prevalence and gender or age. The findings indicate that ۳۴.۲% of OSCC samples in the Qazvin province harbor HPV, with types ۱۶ and ۱۸ being the most common in tumors affecting the tongue. Additionally, no association was observed between HPV infection and age or gender. To address HPV as a risk factor for OSCC, public health initiatives such as vaccination, awareness campaigns, and accessible healthcare services should be implemented. They are, furthermore, incorporating HPV DNA testing into practice.

کلیدواژه ها:

Human Papillomavirus ، Oral squamous cell carcinoma ، Real-time PCR ، Iran