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Human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) in Kaposi's sarcoma: lack of association with Bcl-2 and p53 protein expression

Authors :
Kennedy, M.M.
O'Leary, J.J.
McGee, J. O'D
Oates, J.L.
Lucas, S.B.
Howells, D.D.
Picton, S.
Source :
Molecular Pathology; June 1, 1998, Vol. 51 Issue: 3 p155-159, 5p
Publication Year :
1998

Abstract

AimsHuman herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) is the infectious agent implicated in the pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma, although its mode of action is unclear. Recent work indicates that the HHV-8 genome encodes a viral Bcl-2 homologue (v-Bcl-2). The aim of this study was to explore Bcl-2 expression in Kaposi's sarcoma using a unique set of HHV-8 positive and negative cases, and to determine whether there is a relation with p53 expression.MethodsUp to 18 specimens from 17 patients were selected. HHV-8 status was determined using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to the open reading frame (ORF) 26, with further confirmation by TaqMan PCR. In addition, Bcl-2 and p53 immunohistochemistry were performed using standard protocols.ResultsThe results suggest that Bcl-2 and p53 expression is independent of HHV-8 status. In addition, there does not appear to be a direct correlation with disease stage.ConclusionsHHV8 histopathogenesis is likely to be a multifactorial complex process, which may be mediated in part by viral genes and apoptosis regulating homologues.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
13668714
Volume :
51
Issue :
3
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Molecular Pathology
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
ejs4646015