Expression of MMTV-like env gene in Egyptian breast cancer patients

Mouse mammary tumor virus [MMTV] causes breast cancer in mice. DNA sequences related to MMTV-like env gene is detected in human breast cancer [EC] tissue suggesting its etiology in human BC. The objective of our study was to assess the significance of MMTV-like env gene in Egyptian BC women. One hundred and fifty archival formalin-fixed paraffin embedded breast tissues were used and divided into 2 groups; group one included 100 malignant, group two included50 benign tissues. To amplify the MMTV-like env gene, semi-nested PCR was used and to confirm the homology with the MMTV genome direct sequencing was used. MMTV-like env was efficiently detected in36%ofmalignantand 4% of benign breast tissues. Sequence analysis was evident revealed 96% homology with the MMTV genome, but no other significant similarities with the human genome

The presence of the viral sequences was associated significantly with estrogen and progesteron positive cases and insignificantly the other pathological parameters studied. The molecular analysis of breast cancer tissue confirmed the presence of MMTV-like env sequences with significant high percentages in cancerous tissues than in benign one. These data raising the possibility that MMTV viral infection may be involved in the neoplastic process

Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Egypt

Viral infection, especially caused by herpes viruses, is now recognized as an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised cancer patients. This study aimed at studying seroprevalence of 3 herpes viruses Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 [HSV 1 and 2], Epstein-Barr virus [EBV], and cytomegalovirus [CMV] in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL]. We conducted this study on 68 newly diagnosed pediatric patients with ALL presented to the Pediatric Oncology Service of National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt from November 2001 to June 2003. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in detecting HSV 1 and 2, CMV, EBV antibodies of both types immunoglobulin [Ig] M and IgG detection of DNA for both CMV and EBV by polymerase chain reaction was carried out. High seroprevalence of HSV-1 and 2, CMV and EBV IgG antibodies in both leukemic children and their control was observed [69%, 100%, 83%] and [80%, 100%, 95%]. Significantly higher percentage of HSV-1 and 2 IgM or reactivated infection was found among leukemic children 17/68 [25%] compared with normal control 0%. Analysis showed that prevalence of HSV 1 and 2 IgG increased from 18/33 [54%] in children <5 years to 11/13 [77%] in children >10 years, and reactivation of HSV-1 and 2 increased with increasing age from 1/33 [3%] in children <5 years to 4/13 [30%] in children >10 year. This was in contrast to seroprevalence of CMV and EBV IgG which were 100% and 83% in children <5 years. No difference in seroprevalence was found among both gender, and no difference was found in leukemic patients with granulocytopenia. The data show a higher exposure to HSV-1 and 2 both primary infections and reactivation among ALL children. Therefore, acyclovir prophylaxis could be highly effective for seropositive leukemic patients who are undergoing induction chemotherapy

study on the role of epstein barr virus infection in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Oral herpes virus infections are thought to be a responsible predisposing cause of nasopharyngeal cancer. Of the herpes viruses, Epstein-Barr virus [EBV] has classically been associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma [NPC] and Burkitt's lymphoma. Recently, multiple studies have been published linking EBV with oral squamous cell carcinoma and, to a lesser extent, hypopharyngeal and laryngeal tumors. Using a sensitive method of detection, this study was conducted to analyze the presence of EBV DNA in 40 NPC cases and 35 cases with benign nasal polyps as control in serum and tissue and compared it with serological markers. Three EBV serological markers were performed by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay including EBV VCA IgM, EBV IgG and EBNA IgG. Herpes simplex virus antibodies HSV I and II IgG were examined in serum. Forty serum and tissue samples exclusive of nasopharyngeal carcinoma were examined for the presence of EBV DNA and HSV II DNA using qualitative polymerase chain reaction. Thirty-five serum and tissue samples of benign nasal polyps were submitted to all the tests as control. Serological tests for EBV: revealed that EBV VCA IgG was positive in 57.5%, EBNA IgG was positive in total of 47.5% NPC. EBV DNA was positive in serum in all EBV VCA IgG and EBNA IgG positive cases. EBV DNA by PCR in tissue was positive in 72.5% of NPC in which 70% were EBV-DNA serum positive. In the benign group 17.1% EBV-DNA tissue positive cases, only 2.9% were EBV-DNA serum positive by PCR. HSV DNA in tissue was positive in 20% of NPC and 11.4% of benign group. In NPC HSV-DNA tissue positive cases, 2.5% were HSV-DNA serum positive by PCR and 17.5% were negative. The results indicate that HSV and EBV have a role in the etiology of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Detection of EBNA1 and HSV in the serum and corresponding tissue of nasopharyngeal carcinoma indicates the role of circulating viral DNA as an early marker for pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and that it could serve as good supplement to pathological diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma