Associations of Epstein-Barr Virus DNA in PBMCs and the Subtypes with Breast Cancer Risk

Detection and Quantification of the Epstein-Barr Virus in Lymphoma Patients from Ethiopia: Molecular and Serological Approaches

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a known oncogenic virus associated with various lymphoma subtypes throughout the world. However, there is a lack of information regarding EBV prevalence in lymphoma patients, specifically in Ethiopia. This study aimed to investigate the presence of the EBV and determine its viral load in lymphoma patients from Ethiopia using molecular and serological approaches. Lymphoma patient samples were collected from the Ethiopian population. DNA and serum samples were extracted and subjected to molecular detection methods, including quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis targeting the EBNA1 gene. Serological analyses were performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect EBV viral capsid antigen IgG antibodies. EBV DNA was detected in 99% of lymphoma patients using qPCR, and serological analyses showed EBV presence in 96% of cases. A high EBV viral load (>10,000 EBV copies/mL) was observed in 56.3% of patients. The presence of high EBV viral loads was observed in 59.3% of HL patients and 54.8% of NHL patients. This study provides important insights into the prevalence and viral load of the EBV among lymphoma patients in Ethiopia. The findings contribute to the limited knowledge in this area and can serve as a foundation for future research.

Presence of HPV, EBV and HMTV Viruses Among Egyptian Breast Cancer Women: Molecular Detection and Clinical Relevance

Background

Oncogenic viruses, their possible association with breast cancer (BC) and effect on its clinical course are interesting issue. The present study evaluates the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), EpsteinBarr virus (EBV), and human mammary tumor virus (HMTV) in BC and their relation with clinico-pathological characteristics.

Patients and Methods

This study was conducted on 80 Egyptian women with BC and 30 control women without known oncological disease. Forty formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues, forty fresh tissue samples, and white blood cells (WBCs) of BC patients and WBCs of controls were subjected to a qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure viral loads in fresh tissues of BC. The result was correlated with clinico-pathological characteristics of BC.

Results

HPV was detected in 33 (41.25%), EBV in 30 (37.5%) and HMTV in 33 (41.25%) BC patients. None of the control women was positive for HPV or EBV while HMTV was detected in 7 (23.3%). Among 40 BC WBCs specimens, HPV/HMTV were found together in 25%, followed by EBV/HMTV in 2.5% and EBV/HPV in 2.5%. However, the three viruses (HPV/EBV/HMTV) were found together in only 5%. In the 40 fresh BC tissues, the three viruses were found together in 12 (30%), EBV/HMTV in 7 (17.5%), HPV/HMTV in 4 (10%), and HPV/EBV in 4 (10%). EBV, HMTV, or multiple viral infections were associated with younger age of BC women. HPV, EBV, and HMTV median loads in fresh tissues were 4.8×10³ copies/μL, 6.3×10³ copies/μL, and 97 copies/μL, respectively.

Conclusion

WBCs could be a more suitable specimen instead of fresh tissue for HMTV detection in BC patients to avoid invasive procedures. The presence of HPV, EBV, and HMTV together in Egyptian women with BC was significantly associated with younger age.

Epstein-Barr virus and risk of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Despite the numerous publications regarding the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in breast cancer development, the topic has still remained controversial. The aim of the meta-analysis was to estimate the overall prevalence of EBV in the breast cancer population, and to investigate the association between EBV and breast cancer risk. The overall prevalence of EBV was calculated 26.37% (95% CI: 22-31%) from the 44 included studies. Meta-analysis of 30 case-control studies showed that the pooled association between EBV and risk of breast cancer is odds ratio 4.74 (95% CI: 2.92-7.69; Z = 6.30; p < 0.0001). Our analyses indicate a strong statistical relationship between EBV infection and risk of breast cancer, suggesting a potential role of EBV infection in the development of breast cancer.

Epstein-Barr Virus Epidemiology, Serology, and Genetic Variability of LMP-1 Oncogene Among Healthy Population: An Update

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a DNA lymphotropic herpesvirus and the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis. EBV is highly prevalent since it affects more than 90% of individuals worldwide and has been linked to several malignancies including PTLDs, which are one of the most common malignancies following transplantation. Among all the EBV genes, most of the recent investigations focused on studying the LMP-1 oncogene because of its high degree of polymorphism and association with tumorigenic activity. There are two main EBV genotypes, Type 1 and 2, distinguished by the differences in the EBNA-2 gene. Further sub genotyping can be characterized by analyzing the LMP-1 gene variation. The virus primarily transmits through oral secretions and persists as a latent infection in human B-cells. However, it can be transmitted through organ transplantations and blood transfusions. In addition, symptoms of EBV infection are not distinguishable from other viral infections, and therefore, it remains questionable whether there is a need to screen for EBV prior to blood transfusion. Although the process of leukoreduction decreases the viral copies present in the leukocytes, it does not eliminate the risk of EBV transmission through blood products. Here, we provide a review of the EBV epidemiology and the genetic variability of the oncogene LMP-1. Then, we underscore the findings of recent EBV seroprevalence and viremia studies among blood donors as a highly prevalent transfusion transmissible oncovirus.

Oncogenic Viruses and Breast Cancer: Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus (MMTV), Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

Background

Although the risk factors for breast cancer are well established, namely female gender, early menarche and late menopause plus the protective influence of early pregnancy, the underlying causes of breast cancer remain unknown. The development of substantial recent evidence indicates that a handful of viruses may have a role in breast cancer. These viruses are mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), bovine leukemia virus (BLV), human papilloma viruses (HPVs), and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV-also known as human herpes virus type 4). Each of these viruses has documented oncogenic potential. The aim of this review is to inform the scientific and general community about this recent evidence.

The evidence

MMTV and human breast cancer—the evidence is detailed and comprehensive but cannot be regarded as conclusive. BLV and human breast cancer—the evidence is limited. However, in view of the emerging information about BLV in human breast cancer, it is prudent to encourage the elimination of BLV in cattle, particularly in the dairy industry. HPVs and breast cancer—the evidence is substantial but not conclusive. The availability of effective preventive vaccines is a major advantage and their use should be encouraged. EBV and breast cancer—the evidence is also substantial but not conclusive. Currently, there are no practical means of either prevention or treatment. Although there is evidence of genetic predisposition, and cancer in general is a culmination of events, there is no evidence that inherited genetic traits are causal.

Conclusion

The influence of oncogenic viruses is currently the major plausible hypothesis for a direct cause of human breast cancer.