Chlamydia trachomatis and Anti-MUC1 Serology and Subsequent Risk of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: A Population-Based Case–Control Study in Northern Sweden

摘要

BACKGROUND:Chlamydia trachomatissalpingitis causes inflammatory damage to the fallopian tube and could potentially cause initiation and progression of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC). Furthermore,C.?trachomatisinfection may stimulate mucin 1 (MUC1) protein production, possibly affecting anti-MUC1 antibody levels. The aim of this study was to examine if serology indicating past infection withC.?trachomatisas well as anti-MUC1 production was associated with subsequent risk of HGSC.MATERIALS AND METHODS:In a prospective nested case–control study within the Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study and the Northern Sweden Maternity Cohort, the prevalence of chlamydial and anti-MUC1 antibodies was analyzed in blood samples drawn more than one year before diagnosis from 92 women with HGSC and 359 matched controls. Matching factors were age, date at blood draw, and sampling cohort. PlasmaC.?trachomatisIgG was analyzed using commercial micro-immunofluorescence test; chlamydial Heat Shock Protein 60 IgG (cHSP60) and anti-MUC1 IgG were analyzed with ELISA technique.RESULTS:The prevalence ofC.?trachomatisIgG and cHSP60 IgG antibodies, as well as the level of anti-MUC1 IgG was similar in women with HGSC and controls (16.3% vs. 17.0%,P?=?0.87; 27.2% vs. 28.5%,P?=?0.80; median 0.24 vs. 0.25,P?=?0.70). Anti-MUC1 IgG and cHSP60 IgG levels were correlated (r?=?0.169;P?