Work

The impact of photodynamic therapy on cellular immune function in patients with cervical HPV infection

Year: 2024

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: • Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) significantly increased HPV clearance rates in cervical HPV-infected patients. • PDT treatment augmented CD3+ and CD4+ T-cell levels, with sustained elevation observed up to 6 months post-treatment. • A higher CD4+/CD8+ ratio was noted in the PDT group, indicating an enhanced cellular immune response. • Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels decreased post-PDT, suggesting reduced inflammation. Cervical Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a common sexually transmitted infection, can lead to cervical cancer. This study investigates the impact of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) on cellular immune function in cervical HPV-infected patients. From October 2022 to February 2023, 60 patients with cervical HPV infection were randomly assigned to a control group (conventional treatment) or a PDT group (PDT treatment), each with 30 patients. Peripheral blood samples and cervical tissue were collected before treatment, at 3 months, and at 6 months post-treatment. Flow cytometry assessed T-cell subsets (CD4 + , CD8 + , CD3 + ), and ELISA measured cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8). Baseline characteristics were similar between the PDT and control groups. The PDT group showed significantly higher HPV clearance rates at 3-months (70.00 %) and 6 months (100.00 %) compared to the control group 43.33 % and 80.00 %, respectively (p < 0.05). PDT significantly increased CD3 + and CD4 + cell levels at 3- and 6-months post-treatment compared to controls (p < 0.05). CD8 + levels and the CD4 + /CD8 + ratio also significantly increased in the PDT group at 6 months. Additionally, PDT significantly reduced IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels at 3- and 6-months post-treatment (p < 0.05). PDT enhances cellular immune function in cervical HPV-infected patients by increasing CD4 + and CD8 + T-cells and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. These findings highlight the potential of PDT in modulating immune responses and improving therapeutic strategies for cervical HPV infection.

Source: Clinics

DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2024.100537

Authors: Yan Ju, Qunyan Zhou

Institution: Zhejiang Medical and Health Group Hangzhou Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Cervical Cancer and HPV Research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,700