Human papillomavirus infection and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a comprehensive review of epidemiological evidence, molecular mechanisms, and vaccination-mediated protection.

Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is independently linked to a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), including myocardial infarction and stroke.

• Why it matters: Understanding this association is crucial because it challenges traditional CVD risk models and could lead to new prevention strategies, especially given the widespread prevalence of HPV.
• What they did: The review synthesizes observational studies, explores molecular mechanisms involving HPV oncoproteins activating inflammatory pathways and endothelial dysfunction, and evaluates evidence suggesting HPV vaccination may reduce cardiovascular events.
• The result: Findings imply that HPV infection may contribute to atherogenesis through inflammatory and immune pathways, and vaccination could offer a novel primary prevention approach, though causal evidence remains to be established.