Epstein-Barr virus-activating principle in human semen

Correlation between viral infections in male semen and infertility: a literature review

Infertility affects approximately one-sixth of couples globally, with the incidence of male infertility steadily increasing. However, our understanding of the impact of viral infections on fertility remains limited. This review consolidates findings from previous studies, outlining 40 viruses identified in human semen and summarizing their key characteristics, modes of transmission, and their effects on both the reproductive and endocrine systems. Furthermore, it elucidates potential pathogenic mechanisms and treatment prospects of viruses strongly associated with male infertility. This synthesis will enhance our comprehension of how viral infections influence male reproductive health, offering valuable insights for future research as well as the diagnosis and treatment of infectious infertility.

Viruses in the mammalian male genital tract and their effects on the reproductive system

This review describes the various viruses identified in the semen and reproductive tracts of mammals (including humans), their distribution in tissues and fluids, their possible cell targets, and the functional consequences of their infectivity on the reproductive and endocrine systems. The consequences of these viral infections on the reproductive tract and semen can be extremely serious in terms of organ integrity, development of pathological and cancerous processes, and transmission of diseases. Furthermore, of essential importance is the fact that viral infection of the testicular cells may result not only in changes in testicular function, a serious risk for the fertility and general health of the individual (such as a fall in testosteronemia leading to cachexia), but also in the possible transmission of virus-induced mutations to subsequent generations. In addition to providing an exhaustive account of the data available in these domains, this review focuses attention on the fact that the interface between endocrinology and virology has so far been poorly explored, particularly when major health, social and economical problems are posed. Our conclusions highlight the research strategies that need to be developed. Progress in all these domains is essential for the development of new treatment strategies to eradicate viruses and to correct the virus-induced dysfunction of the endocrine system.

Epstein-Barr virus activating principle in husbands' semen of cervical cancer patients

A short-term in vitro assay for detecting tumor promoter activity has been cultivated utilizing the induction of Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) in EBV genome-carrying human lymphoblastoid cell line (Raji cell) system. By using this system, we found that some of human semen samples possessed a marked capacity to induce EBV-EA, suggesting possible tumor promotor activity of semen. In the present study, 60 semen samples obtained from husbands of cervical cancer patients and 90 control samples were incubated with Raji cells for 48 h, and EBV-EA-expressing cells detected by indirect immunofluorescence were counted. The percentages of EBV-EA-positive cells treated with semen of cervical cancer patients' husbands (8.17 +/- 5.43%) were significantly higher than those of controls (5.23 +/- 5.91%). Since most of EBV-EA expressing effect on Raji cells show overlapping with tumor promotor activities, our present results implies the circumstantial association of seminal EBV-EA inducing activity with occurrence of human cervical cancer.

Epidemiology of prostatic cancer: a case-control study

A population-based case-control study of prostatic cancer in Alberta was undertaken to determine the risk factors associated with the disease. Cases were 382 newly diagnosed prostatic cancer patients and 625 controls, group-matched to the anticipated age distribution of the cases, chosen at random from the health insurance roster. Subjects were interviewed in their homes by using a pre-tested questionnaire including questions related to ethnic group, education, puberty, marital history, family history, residence, water supply, smoking, and diet. Factors significantly related to the risk of developing prostatic cancer included ethnic group (British high, Ukrainian low), education (elementary high, university low), age at first marriage (early high, late low), family history (high risk for those with relatives with prostatic cancer), and increased masculinity among the children of cases. The results with respect to smoking, occupation, medical history, birthplace, residence, water supply, and diet were generally negative.

Tumor-promoting activity of extracts of human semen in SENCAR mice

Application of ether extracts of pooled human semen that induce Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) activation promoted skin tumor production in female SENCAR mice previously treated with 100 micrograms of 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). Twice-weekly applications of 60 micrograms ether extract samples produced papillomas in SENCAR mice. Several samples of human semen were tested to determine the relationship between tumor-promoting activity and EBV activation in human semen. Pooled human semen that induced more than 10% EBV activation effectively promoted tumor production, but samples that induced less than 0.1% EBV activation were ineffective.