Evaluation of Cytokines in Endocervical Secretion and Vaginal pH from Women with Bacterial Vaginosis or Human Papillomavirus.

Cleomenes Reis,Márcia Antoniazi Michelin,Ana Claudia Camargo Campos,Eddie Fernando Candido Murta

doi:10.5402/2012/342075

Abstract

Objective. To verify the relationship between vaginal pH and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and to measure cytokine levels in endocervical secretions of women with bacterial vaginosis (BV) or HPV. Methods. 173 women (16–48 years old) were enrolled and divided into groups: BV, HPV, and controls. Microbiological culture and vaginal pH were measured. HPV detect by PCR, and cytokines by ELISA (IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ cytokines). Results. Of 173 women, 60 were control group (34.7%) and 113 were distributed in HPV (n=36, 20.8%), BV (n=36, 20.8%), vaginitis (n=30, 17.3%) and, BV and HPV-associated groups (n=11, 6.4%). Vaginal pH > 4.5 was related with HPV infection. IL-2 and IL-12 were increased in BV and HPV groups, and IL-6 (only BV group), compared to control group. IL-12 and IFN-γ were higher in HPV than BV group. Conclusion. The increase of vaginal pH was associated with HPV infection; BV and HPV groups had a Th1 cytokines immune response.

Highlights

The vagina and cervix are the first lines of physical and immunological defense against sexually transmitted pathogens [1, 2]
We identified Gardnerella vaginalis as the main microorganism associated with the appearance of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in our study cohort
Researchers have reported that an increase in IL-12 was present in women with increased vaginal pH, a characteristic of women with BV compared to health women [16, 29], and we found statistically significant values

Summary

Introduction

The vagina and cervix are the first lines of physical and immunological defense against sexually transmitted pathogens [1, 2]. BV is characterized by an alteration in the normal vaginal flora, in which the predominant lactobacilli are replaced by various other microorganisms. Increases in species such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobiluncus spp., Bacteroides sp., Prevotella spp., Peptostreptococcus spp., Mycoplasma hominis, or Ureaplasma urealyticum are routinely detected and are accompanied by a subsequent increase in the vaginal pH [5, 6]. Produced proteases degrade the mucus secreted from the cervix to facilitate the pathogen’s ability to contact and breach the protective epithelial barrier [2]

Methods

Results

Conclusion