Original paper Epstein-Barr virus DNA in colorectal carcinoma in Iranian patients

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is an often fatal cancer with a rapidly increasing incidence. Current mortality is estimated to be approximately 600,000 per year, and both environmental and genetic factors are involved in its etiology. Viral and bacterial factors have a proven role in the incidence of approximately 20% of cancers. In the present study, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was detected in 50 colorectal adenocarcinomas, 12 colon adenomas, and 38 control tissue samples using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Epstein-Barr virus DNA was identified in 19 of the adenocarcinoma tissues, 1 adenoma tissue and 24 control specimens. In total, 15.8% (3/18) of the colorectal samples in the well-differentiated grade, 79% (15/30) in the moderately differentiated, and 5.2% (1/2) in the poorly differentiated grade tested positive for viral infection. Epstein-Barr virus was more prevalent in the moderately differentiated grade. Statistical analysis did not suggest a significant association between EBV and the incidence of colorectal cancer. However, it appears that the virus stimulates progression of the malignancy.

Epstein–Barr virus and its association with Fascin expression in colorectal cancers in the Syrian population: A tissue microarray study

“…In conclusion, we hereby show that EBV is present in human CRC in the Syrian population. In addition, EBV infection was detected in approximately 36% of CRC samples, which is similar to its presence in CRC specimens worldwide 28,31,47 including the Middle Eastern region, as reported by Tafvizi et al 32 Additionally, we demonstrate that the presence of EBV in CRC is associated with more aggressive malignancy phenotype. However, further studies are required to elucidate the exact role and pathogenesis of EBV in human malignancy and the importance of the upcoming EBV vaccine.…”

“…More importantly, we were able to show that E6/E7 onco-proteins of high-risk HPV type 16 convert non-invasive and non-metastatic human cancer cells into invasive and metastatic ones. 27 Regarding the presence of EBV in CRC worldwide, several recent investigations reported that 20-50% of these cancer cases are positive for EBV [28][29][30][31][32] ; however, a small number of studies were unable to detect EBV in colorectal carcinomas but in their infiltrated lymphomas. 33,34 Meanwhile, it is important to emphasize that the presence of EBV in the Middle East region is limited to 2 conflicting studies from Iran, as Tafvizi et al, 32 revealed that 38% (19/50) of human CRC cases are positive for EBV in the Iranian population; however, the second study was unable to detect the presence of EBV in only 15 CRC samples.…”

“…10,11,[36][37][38] Moreover, it was noted that the presence of EBV in human CRC could stimulate the progression of the malignancy. 32 On the other hand, it has been shown that Fascin is overexpressed in several human invasive carcinomas including CRC. 18,[39][40][41] In our study, we found that the expression of LMP1 gene of EBV is associated with Facsin overexpression and an invasive form of CRC which are in their majority moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas.…”

Association Of Epstein-Barr Virus With Gastric Carcinoma Among Sudanese Patients

“…Although in situ hybridization method is more sensitive than [29,30].Whereas LMP1 was reported as the major oncogenic factor of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) development and was detected in 80%-90% of NPC tumors [31,32]. This indicates that, these proteins are essential for EBV to immortalize B cells and to transform other types of cells, such as rodent fibroblasts, by changing transcription and sustainable activation of the cell signaling pathway [33]. Our study focuses on the prevalence of EBVaGC, so there is no data on patients follow up however it is very useful in further study.…”

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status in colorectal cancer: a mini review

“…Most positive studies revealed EBV positivity rate to bẽ 20-40% of the cases. 20,23,26,29,30,32,34 A study of Salyakina et al 26 reported a common co-infection of EBV with other viruses in 20% of the CRC samples (Cytomegalovirus and Human Herpesvirus 6B/HHV-6B/). An interesting case study by Chang et al 28 on collision colorectal tumors (adenocarcinoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma) revealed serum EBV positivity.…”