Understanding the Role of Emerging Vitamin D Biomarkers on Short-term Persistence of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Mid-Adult Women

Background. Associations between vitamin D biomarkers and persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) detection have not been evaluated. Methods. 2011-2012 stored sera from 72 women aged 30-50 years with prevalent hrHPV (n = 116 type-specific infections) were tested for 5 vitamin D biomarkers: 25(OH)D and 4 emerging biomarkers, 1,25(OH)(2)D; 24,25(OH)(2)D; free vitamin D; and vitamin D binding protein (DBP). The hrHPV detection patterns (persistent vs transient/sporadic) were determined using cervicovaginal swabs collected monthly for 6 months. Associations between vitamin D and short-term type-specific hrHPV persistence were estimated using logistic regression. Our primary exposure was continuous 25(OH)D, with additional biomarkers evaluated as secondary exposures. Primary models were adjusted for age, race, body mass index, education, contraceptives, smoking, season, and calcium/phosphate levels. Sensitivity analyses were restricted from 19 hrHPV types to 14 used in cervical cancer screening. Results. In primary analyses, nonsignificant positive associations with hrHPV persistence were observed for measures of 25(OH)D and 24,25(OH)(2)D. Associations were stronger and significant when restricting to 14 hrHPV types (25(OH)D per 10 ng/mL increase: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.82 [95% confidence interval (CIL 1.15-2.88] and aOR, 4.19 [95% CI, 1.18-14.88] DBP-adjusted; 25(OH)D >= 30 vs <30 ng/mL: aOR, 8.85 [95% CI, 2.69-29.06]; 24,25(OH)(2)D: aOR, 1.85 [95% CI, 1.18-2.88]). 1,25(OH)(2)D was unassociated with persistence. Conclusions. Serum vitamin D measured by multiple biomarkers showed positive associations with short-term hrHPV persistence that were significant only when restricting to 14 clinically relevant hrHPV types.