The new survey revealed that Slab (S. hematone), a parasitic infection that affects millions worldwide can cause cancer -related gene activity in the cervical lining, with changes being even more severe after treatment. It is presented today at ESCMID GLOBAL 2025, this central study sheds new light on how this often parasitic disease can contribute to the risk of cervical cancer at the molecular level.
Schistosomiasis is a widespread parasitic disease, particularly widespread in areas with poor access to clean water and drainage. S. hematoneOne of the main species responsible for human schistosomiasis infects more than 110 million people worldwide, depositing eggs that penetrate the urinary and reproductive routes. While this parasite is recognized as a cause of bladder cancer, its potential role in cervical cancer remained little understandable.
In this study, the researchers analyzed cervical tissue samples of 39 women of Tanzania with (n = 20) and without (n = 19) S. hematone contamination. Infected women were treated with Praziquantel and the samples were collected at the start and 4-12 months after treatment. Through the analysis of RNA sequence and gene expression analysis, the paths associated with cancer associated with infection were identified. Nine genes were expressed differently between contaminated and non -infected women, 23 genes were changed to women who cleared after treatment and 29 genes differ between women after treatment and those who were never infected.
Among the nine most importantly modified genes between contaminated and non -infected women, four were associated with cancer:
- Blk Proto-Oncogene: a tyrosine kinase leading cell proliferation and can contribute to tumor formation when adjusted
- Large transgenic non -protein coding RNA 2084: Prognostic index in head, neck and colon cancer, affecting the regulation of genes associated with tumor evolution
- Trichohyalin: Participates in the formation of keratin complex and adjusted upon certain cancers
- TCL1 family Akt Coactivator A: promotes survival and cell proliferation and is attached to T and B-cell lymphomas
After treatment, some cancer -related biological pathways became more active, especially those involved in inflammation, tissue remodeling and the distribution of protective barriers to the cervix. These changes were linked to the increased formation of blood vessels, the activation of volume-related processes and reduced planned cell death (apoptosis)-a key mechanism for eliminating abnormal cells.
The findings indicate that infection can cause molecular changes that make women more vulnerable to cervical cancer -related processes, especially after treatment. One particularly about observation was to reduce the regulation of genes responsible for maintaining cervical cervical integrity, including Claudins and narrow connection proteins. This loss of protective function could facilitate HPV infection and persistence, an important risk factor for cervical cancer. ”
Dr. Anna Maria Mertelsmann, Lead Author
“Our research shows that women who were treated with Praziquantel have had more genetic changes associated with cancer than those with active infection,” Dr. Mertelsmann added. “This raises critical questions about the long -term effects of treatment and emphasizes the need for careful after treatment.”
This study serves as an important first step in understanding the role of S. hematone In cervical cancer and a larger study after 180 women in 12 months is in progress to confirm these findings. Future research will also investigate whether women who had schistosomiasis are at greater risk of cervical cancer due to long -term HPV infections.
Dr. Mertelsmann and her team emphasize the need for greater awareness of female genitals (FGS), like many women with S. hematone They are also affected by this difficult condition for diagnosis. “Women were diagnosed with S. hematone It should be closely monitored for early signs of cervical abnormalities, “he also stressed that additional treatments-such as anti-inflammatory or immune-formulating treatments that could help exhaust the harmful effects observed after treatment.
