Table 2 The role of lipid and lipid-lowering drugs in HPV-related cancers

Cervical epithelial cells

There is a clear difference in the metabolic properties of LSIL, normal, and highly dysplastic/cancer cells (i.e., HSIL⁺ and SCC⁺) as compared to cervical cells with varying degrees of dysplasia, as shown by changes in SREBF1 methylation and mitochondrial DNA levels. Notably, as compared to the control cells, cells in the LSIL group had a lower lipid level and associated parameters, while cells in the HSIL⁺ and SCC⁺ groups had an elevated lipid level. This twofold flip of lipid metabolism is of special interest

[58]

HPV-associated cervix transformation

Phosphatidylcholines and PEs are two types of glycerophospholipids that are linked explicitly to HPV-induced cervical transformation. The degree of cervix change was strongly linked with over 90% of these marker lipids. Based on the panel of 23 lipids, an algorithm was created for the treatment of individuals with cervix disorders linked to HPV

[61]

Cervical cancer

Researchers demonstrated the significance of phosphocholine, PE, and sphingomyelin (SM) in distinguishing between the HPV-18 and HPV-16 genotypes via cell tests. These lipid classes are linked to the acceleration of proliferative processes, decreased cell metabolism, and the inhibition of apoptosis

[61, 62]

Head and neck cancer

Cancer cells constantly reprogram their lipid metabolisms in response to the tumor microenvironment (TME) and/or metastasis/colonization needs in HNSCCs. When laryngeal, hypopharyngeal, and nasopharyngeal HPV-negative squamous cell carcinoma was detected, incident statin use was linked to improved overall and disease-specific survival

[73, 85]

Cervical cancer

Statins atorvastatin, fluvastatin, and simvastatin effectively inhibited the in vitro growth of cervical cancer cells. They promoted necrotic cell death and were cytotoxic. Whether HPV was present or not determined their effectiveness. Statins used orally, either alone or in combination with antineoplastic drugs, may provide a new, safe, and promising therapy option for cervical cancer

[69]

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Statin usage, especially in individuals with HPV-positive illness, may protect against unfavorable outcomes in HNSCC patients. Statin treatment was linked to a lower overall death rate in this analysis of over 1600 HNSCC patients, as well as a lower risk of disease-specific mortality and disease recurrence, particularly in patients with HPV-positive tumors

[72]

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

In HPV-positive individuals, statins may have an impact on TILs. This might be the method by which they help patients with HPV-positive HNSCC have a better prognosis

[78]

Cervical squamous cell carcinoma

Early in the SIL process, the 25-HC stimulates ferritinophagy, increasing the susceptibility of HSILs to ferroptosis. Thus, preserving the 25-HC level is essential for inhibiting the advancement of HSIL and may lead to the creation of innovative treatments for CSCC

[68]