Metabolic syndrome and HPV infections raise women’s health risk by 2.6 times

Hyderabad: The combination of metabolic syndrome and HPV infection has become a significant health challenge for Indian women, with complex interactions resulting in higher mortality rates.

The metabolic dysfunction can detrimentally affect the immune system function, leading to persistent HPV infections and increasing the risk of developing cervical cancer.

What is metabolic syndrome?

“Metabolic syndrome is characterised by a cluster of conditions including obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and abnormal cholesterol levels. Such people are at a high risk of developing diabetes, stroke, heart attacks and kidney diseases,” said Dr Hari Kishan, a consultant physician at Kamineni Hospital, LB Nagar.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is rapidly and consistently increasing in India, due to the rapid urbanisation, dietary patterns and reduced physical activity.

Metabolic syndrome can run in the family

On the other hand, high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) strains are a leading cause of cervical cancer.

With HPV infection being considered a public health concern in India and the metabolic syndrome-induced chronic inflammatory condition accelerating the oncogenic process due to high-risk HPV strains, vaccination and awareness remain key.

The availability of vaccination is a massive relief to prevent HPV infection while avoiding a sedentary lifestyle and remaining physically active can keep one away from metabolic syndrome.

The metabolic syndrome also runs in the family and hence people with such a history need to remain alert to prevent the risks of developing metabolic syndrome.

“The metabolic syndrome is also associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. All the conditions resulting from metabolic syndrome must be managed aggressively to prevent consequences,” Dr Hari Kishan said.

What are HPV infections?

HPV is a group of viruses, affecting the skin, genital area and throat. Among the several strains of HPV, few are high-risk, while most low-risk strains do not need any treatment.

“The HPVs are sexually transmitted to women and some high-risk strains can lead to cervical cancer, which is one of the major causes of mortality in India. Those with metabolic syndrome and HPV infection have 2.6 times higher mortality risk than those without these conditions,” Dr Hari Kishan said.

The combination of metabolic syndrome and HPV infection can create an environment that can aggravate the progression of HPV-related pathologies.

Staying physically fit with vaccination decreases risk

Staying physically active and doing exercise for 150 minutes per week with cardio exercises are commonly advised strategies to prevent metabolic syndrome.

“A sedentary lifestyle is the principal reason for metabolic syndrome and prevention is the simplest way suggested by staying physically active. The HPV vaccine is now easily available and is very effective. People must be aware of such possibilities to prevent these conditions,” Dr Hari Kishan said.