Abnormal cervical cytology is associated with increased nitric oxide release in the uterine cervix.
OBJECTIVE
The human uterine cervix is capable of producing nitric oxide (NO). We studied the impact of cytological changes on the release of cervical NO.


METHODS
Population-based case-control study.


METHODS
City of Helsinki, Finland.


METHODS
Cervical cytology tests and cervical fluid samples were collected in 297 women.


METHODS
Cervical cytology tests, classified according to Bethesda criteria, were specifically analyzed for changes typically seen in human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and the level of NO metabolites (NOx) in cervical fluid was assessed by Griess reaction.


METHODS
The difference in cervical fluid NOx between normal and abnormal cytology.


RESULTS
Cervical cytology was normal in 219 women and abnormal in 78 women. Among women with abnormal cytology there was both a higher detection rate (89% vs. 71%) and a higher concentration of NOx (median 22.5 micromol/l, 95% CI 14.6-31.9 vs. 11.0 micromol/l, 95% CI 8.0-16.7) compared to women with normal cytology. Age, parity, use of oral contraceptives, phase of the menstrual cycle, or history of miscarriage or termination of early pregnancy were not linked to an increased cervical NOx level.


CONCLUSIONS
Cervical cell changes (suggestive of HPV infection) are accompanied by an increased release of NO in the human cervix. The significance of this finding remains uncertain, but in theory, increased release of NO could modify the outcome of cervical infection.
Rahkola
Paivi
P
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Mikkola
Tomi S
TS
Nieminen
Pekka
P
Ylikorkala
Olavi
O
Vaisanen-Tommiska
Mervi
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000378:metabolism; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D017698:Postmenopause; D013548:Sweden; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D014626:Vaginal Smears; D055815:Young Adult
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D009569:Nitric Oxide