Is SARS-CoV- 2 Infection a Predictive Factor for Progression of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia to Cervical Cancer? Hypothesis - Abstract
Abstract Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) is one of the most frequent pathologies in women, capable of inducing in situ cervical cancer according to the degree of CIN progression. The high association of these neoplasms with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection defines these neoplasms as an example of microbiologically induced neoplasms. In this regard, the association of SARS-CoV-2 with thyroid sarcoma and the presence of infection by this virus together with cervical neoplasm involving the expression of the MDM2 oncogene, autophagy, and VEGF signaling pathways have been reported. The current pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, exposes the world population to be infected by this virus. The possibility that women affected by cervical neoplasms could be contaminated by a second virus is high. The aim of this article is to highlight the microenvironment of cervical tissue as a possible suitable medium for SARS-CoV-2 infection and to hypothesize the possible role of this in situ infection in the progression of CIN. CIN expresses various molecules that make this neoplasia susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2. Molecules such as TMPRSS2 (Transmembrane Protease Serine 2), Cathepsin-L, and the components of the renin-angiotensin system including ACE2 (receptor for SARS-CoV-2) would facilitate the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the neoplastic tissue. This article examines the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 infection could accelerate the progression of CIN.