Abstract
BackgroundFor decades, scientists have tried to understand the environmental factors involved in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in which viral infections was included. Previous studies have identified Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) to incite SLE. Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), another member of the gammaherpesvirus family, shares a lot in common with EBV. The characteristics of HHV-8 make it a well-suited candidate to trigger SLE.ResultsIn the present study, serum samples from patients (n = 108) with diagnosed SLE and matched controls (n = 122) were collected, and the prevalence of HHV-8 was compared by a virus-specific nested PCR and a whole virus enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA). There was significant difference in the prevalence of HHV-8 DNA between SLE patients and healthy controls (11 of 107 vs 1 of 122, p = 0.001); significant difference was also found in the detection of HHV-8 antibodies (19 of 107 vs 2 of 122, p < 0.001).We also detected the antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen (EBV-VCA) and Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1). Both patients and controls showed high seroprevalence with no significant difference (106 of 107 vs 119 of 122, p = 0.625).ConclusionOur finding indicated that there might be an association between HHV-8 and the development of SLE.
Highlights
Scientists have tried to understand the environmental factors involved in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in which viral infections was included
A number of viruses, including parvovirus B19 [2], Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) [3,4], human papillomavirus (HPV) [5,6], cytomegalovirus (CMV) [7], and some endogenous retrovirus [8], have been implicated as possible environmental factors contributing to the onset and/or exacerbation of SLE
Serologic finding Sera showed positive for IgG antibodies either against Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen (EBV-VCA) or against Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1) were considered to be EBV-positive
Summary
Scientists have tried to understand the environmental factors involved in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in which viral infections was included. Previous studies have identified Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) to incite SLE. Patients with SLE display abnormalities in immune system functions. It causes enhanced B cell function and the production of numerous autoantibodies. A number of viruses, including parvovirus B19 [2], Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) [3,4], human papillomavirus (HPV) [5,6], cytomegalovirus (CMV) [7], and some endogenous retrovirus [8], have been implicated as possible environmental factors contributing to the onset and/or exacerbation of SLE.
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