Mitochondrial haplogroups and control region polymorphisms in Kaposi's sarcoma patients

Inflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production have recently considered as key mechanisms in the pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Since mitochondria are the major source of ROS production, this organelle may play a main role in KS development. However, there are no studies on mtDNA variations and haplogroups in this area. The focus of this study was to investigate the mtDNA variants and haplogroups in KS patients and their relationship to tumor development. To address this, we have genotyped mtDNA in 45 Iranian KS patients and 48 age and sex-matched Iranian controls. A strong positive correlation was observed between UK cluster and decreased risk of KS. Our results suggest that the UK cluster might be a protective haplogroup for KS development. It is probably superhaplogroup UK, with lower ATP and ROS production, may prevent KSHV reactivation from latent to lytic phase that is essential for KS development.