ABSTRACT
We have analyzed one Hodgkin's and six non-Hodgkin's lymphomas for the presence of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antigens by immunohistochemistry. A large cell B-cell lymphoma and a T-cell lymphoma were positive for HHV-6 antigens by immunohistochemistry. Using PCR primers from the HHV-6 ZVH14 transforming DNA segment, all seven tumors were positive. EBV DNA was not detected by PCR using sequences from EBV internal repeat-3 region as primers. The data suggest an etiologic involvement of HHV-6 in some human lymphomas. Although all seven of the lymphoma tissues examined contained HHV-6 DNA, expression of HHV-6 antigens was observed in only two cases, suggesting that expression of proteins was not required for transformation.
Subject(s)
DNA, Viral/analysis , Herpesvirus 6, Human/isolation & purification , Lymphoma/virology , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Adult , Aged , Female , Herpesvirus 6, Human/genetics , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
To better understand the pathogenesis and slow healing of sickle cell leg ulcers, we analyzed tissues for their content of iron and their immunohistochemical level of basic fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta, and fibronectin. Debrided leg ulcer tissue from seven patients with sickle cell anemia were used. All sections stained strongly for basic fibroblast growth factor. The reactions to iron and fibronectin were variable (trace to 4+, 0 to 3+, respectively), and there was weak or negative immunohistochemical staining for transforming growth factor-beta. These findings suggest the possibility that iron and/or a low content of transforming growth factor-beta and fibronectin may play a role in the chronicity of these lesions. Conversely, reducing tissue iron and/or applying transforming growth factor-beta or fibronectin topically may promote the healing of sickle cell leg ulcers.
