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Biomedical subjects

Y Q Huang

Publications and source records attributed to Y Q Huang.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Modification of the p53 transgene of a replication-competent adenovirus prevents mdm2- and E1b-55kD-mediated degradation of p53.

Clinical efficacy of adenovirus-mediated cancer gene therapy has been limited thus far. To improve its oncolytic effect, a replication-competent adenoviral vector was previously constructed to express high levels of p53 at a late time point in the viral life cycle. p53 expression from this vector improved tumor cell killing and viral spread in vitro. However, p53 function is antagonized by cellular mdm2 and adenoviral E1b-55kD, both of which are known to bind to and inactivate p53. Therefore, a new vector (Adp53W23S) that expresses a modified p53 transgene, which does not bind to E1b-55kd and mdm2, was constructed. The modified p53 protein was demonstrated to have a substantially prolonged half-life, and its localization was predominantly nuclear. Viral replication was unaffected by expression of the modified p53 and cancer cell killing was improved in vitro. However, in a xenograft model, efficacy was not significantly different from control virus. In conclusion, expression of a degradation-resistant p53 transgene late in the life cycle of a replication-competent adenovirus improves p53 stability and cancer cell killing in vitro. However, other factors, such as the adenoviral E1b-19kD and E1a proteins, which oppose p53 function, and limitations to viral spread need to be addressed to further improve in vivo efficacy.

Adenoviridae↗

Hypoxia reduces adenoviral replication in cancer cells by downregulation of viral protein expression.

Successful cancer therapy using replicating viral vectors relies on the spread of virus from infected to uninfected cells. To date, there has been limited clinical success in the use of replicating adenoviruses. In animal models, established xenograft tumors are rarely eliminated despite the persistence of high viral titers within the tumor. Hypoxia is a prevalent characteristic of solid tumors, whereas adenovirus naturally infects tissues exposed to ambient oxygen concentrations. Here, we report that hypoxia (1% oxygen) reduces adenoviral replication in H1299 and A549 lung cancer cells, BxPC-3 pancreatic cancer cells, LNCaP prostate cancer cells and HCT116 colon cancer cells. However, hypoxia does not reduce cell viability or restrict S-phase entry. Importantly, the production of E1a and fiber proteins under hypoxic conditions was substantially decreased at 24 and 48 h compared to room air controls. In contrast, Northern analysis showed similar levels of E1a mRNA in room air and hypoxic conditions. In conclusion, a level of hypoxia similar to that found within solid tumors reduces the replication of adenoviral vectors by reduction of viral protein expression without a reduction in mRNA levels. To further improve oncolytic therapy using a replicating adenovirus, it is important to understand the mechanism through which hypoxia and the virus interact to control expression of viral and cellular proteins, and consequently to develop means to overcome decreased viral production in hypoxic conditions.

Adenoviridae↗

Anti-HIV agent MAP30 modulates the expression profile of viral and cellular genes for proliferation and apoptosis in AIDS-related lymphoma cells infected with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated virus.

The anti-HIV agent MAP30 (Momordica anti-HIV protein, 30 kDa) inhibits the proliferation of BC-2, an AIDS-related primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cell line derived from an AIDS patient. BC-2 cells are latently infected with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV), also known as human herpes virus 8 (HHV8). We examined the effect of MAP30 on the expression of viral and cellular genes in BC-2 during latent and lytic states of the viral life cycle. By Northern analysis and RT-PCR, we found that MAP30 downregulates the expression of viral cyclin D (vCD), viral interleukin-6 (vIL-6), and viral FLIP (vFLIP), genes involved in cell cycle regulation, viral pathogenesis, and apoptosis. By pathway-specific cDNA microarray analysis, we found that BC-2 cells express high levels of egr-1, ATF-2, hsp27, hsp90, IkappaB, mdm2, skp1, and IL-2, cellular genes involved in mitogenesis, tumorigenesis, and inhibition of apoptosis in NFkappaB and p53 signaling pathways. These results define for the first time the specific cellular pathways involved in AIDS-related tumorigenesis and suggest specific novel targets for the treatment. Furthermore, we found that MAP30 downregulates the expression of egr-1, ATF-2, hsp27, hsp90, IkappaB, mdm2, and Skp1, while it upregulates the pro-apoptotic-related genes Bax, CRADD, and caspase-3. Thus, MAP30 modulates the expression of both viral and cellular genes involved in KS pathogenesis. These results provide valuable insight into the molecular mechanisms of MAP30 anti-KS action and suggest its utility as a therapeutic agent against AIDS-related tumors.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

Thrombin induces the release of angiopoietin-1 from platelets.

Blood platelets contain angiopoietin-1, a growth factor essential for blood vessel development via stabilization of proliferating endothelial cells. It has recently been reported that angiopoietin-1 can act as a vascular stability factor (Nature Medicine 6:460, 2000). In investigating the normal tissue distribution of angiopoietin-1 from surgically-removed frozen specimens by RT-PCR, we found it consistently present in platelets and megakaryocytes, usually absent in relatively non-vascular tissue: breast, colon, lung, skin, kidney, thyroid, testicle, cervix and occasionally present in tissue enriched with vasculature: prostate, endometrium, ovary, under conditions in which mRNA stability was verified by the positive detection of internal control, actin mRNA. The consistent distribution in platelets and relatively absent distribution in non-vascular normal tissue suggested that the well-known role of platelets in maintaining vascular stability, may in part be due to platelet release of angiopoietin-1 following platelet activation. In this communication we report the incidence of Ang-1 in various normal tissues and demonstrate that thrombin-treated human platelets release angiopoietin-1 in vitro.

Angiopoietin-1↗

Thrombin induces increased expression and secretion of VEGF from human FS4 fibroblasts, DU145 prostate cells and CHRF megakaryocytes.

Angiogenesis is required for tumor growth and metastasis. It has recently been suggested that thrombin is a potent promoter of angiogenesis. We therefore examined the possibility that thrombin could be inducing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which promotes endothelial growth. Primary human FS4 fibroblasts as well as tumor cell lines: prostate DU145 and megakaryocyte CHRF were incubated with thrombin (0.25-1 unit/ml) for 1-8 hrs and then examined for mRNA by Northern Analysis. Enhanced mRNA (approximately 3-4 fold over base line) was noted at 2-4 hrs, with 0.5 u/ml thrombin. The effect was specific for thrombin activity on its PAR-1 receptor, since equal units of hirudin completely inhibited the response and the thrombin effect could be mimicked with the 14 mer thrombin receptor activation peptide (TRAP). Upregulation of mRNA was associated with enhanced VEGF protein synthesis and secretion as assayed by immunoblot. Enhanced expression of VEGF mRNA was not secondary to enhanced transcription (nuclear run on experiments), but due to an >3 fold stabilization of mRNA (Actinomycin D chase experiment). Enhanced VEGF mRNA stabilization is promoted by the PI3Kinase and serine/threonine kinase pathways, since thrombin-induced mRNA expression is inhibited by Wortmanin and H7. No effect was noted with the MAPKinase inhibitor, PD98059. Thus, thrombin-induced tumorigenesis and metastasis is associated with enhanced VEGF protein synthesis and secretion via the stabilization of VEGF mRNA promoted by the PI3Kinase and serine/threonine kinase pathways. This could help explain how thrombin promotes angiogenesis.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Concentration-dependent dual effect of thrombin on impaired growth/apoptosis or mitogenesis in tumor cells.

Because thrombin-treated tumor cell-induced metastasis increases tumor nodule volume(12) greater than nodule number, we studied the effect of thrombin on tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo (murine B16F10 melanoma, human HCT8 colon carcinoma, DU145 prostate carcinoma). Tumor cell growth was measured after 3 to 7 days in 1% fetal calf serum (FCS) + RPMI 1640. We found that, whereas relatively low concentrations of thrombin, 0.1 to 0.5 U/mL (1-5 nmol/L) enhance tumor cell growth in vitro approximately 2- to 3-fold, higher concentrations, 0.5 to 1 U/mL (5-10 nmol/L) impaired cell growth approximately 2- to 4-fold. Impaired cell growth was associated with cell cycle arrest at G(2)M and increased pre-G(o) DNA, as well as apoptosis, measured by tumor cell binding to Annexin V and propidium iodide. Apoptosis was reversed with the general caspase inhibitor, FK-011. The enhancing and inhibiting effects were specific for thrombin (reversed with inactive diisopropyl-fluorophosphate [DFP]-thrombin) and mediated via the protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1). PAR-1 activation was demonstrated by (1) use of a cell line, B16F10, devoid of the 3 other thrombin receptors, PAR-3, PAR-4, and GPIb; and (2) greater sensitivity of PAR-1 transfected B16F10 and HCT8 cells to impaired cell growth/apoptosis, 3- and 14-fold, respectively. Thus, thrombin has a bimodal effect on PAR-1 in tumor cells: enhanced growth at low concentration, impaired growth/apoptosis at higher concentration.

Animals↗

Identification of a family of alternatively spliced mRNA species of angiopoietin-1.

Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) is required for developing vessels, and its absence leads to defects in vessel remodeling. Ang-1 has been identified as the ligand for the tyrosine kinase receptor Tie-2, which is expressed specifically on endothelial cells and early hematopoietic cells. In studying the role of Tie-2 and Ang-1 in megakaryocytopoiesis, 3 alternatively spliced species of Ang-1 mRNA (Ang-1.3 kb, Ang-0.9 kb, and Ang-0.7 kb) were identified in addition to the full-length Ang-1 (Ang-1.5 kb), in the megakaryocyte cell line CHRF by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and then cloned and sequenced. The expression of 3 alternatively spliced isoforms of Ang-1 was confirmed by RT-PCR using specific primer pairs derived from junction sites and the 3' end of Ang-1 cDNA, and it was further demonstrated by nuclease protection assay, Northern blotting, and immunoblotting in CHRF cells. Expression of the Ang-1.3 kb isoform was also detected in human primary fibroblast cell line FS4, breast cancer cell line MDAMB-468, and CD34(+)CD41(+) cells of fetal liver and platelets. The function of the 1.5-kb, 1.3-kb, and 0.9-kb isoforms was examined. Recombinant proteins Ang-1.5 and 0.9 kb bind strongly to the recombinant Tie-2 receptor (Tie-2-Fc), whereas the 1.3-kb isoform does not. The Ang-1.3 kb isoform binds to the 1.5-kb isoform. Ang-1. 5 kb, but not the 1.3-kb and 0.9-kb isoforms, induces tyrosine phosphorylation of Tie-2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. These data suggest that isoforms 1.3 kb and 0.9 kb could serve as dominant negative molecules for the full-length Ang-1. The possible involvement of the newly identified Ang-1 isoforms in angiogenesis and in growth and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells provides a greater complexity to these processes. (Blood. 2000;95:1993-1999)

Alternative Splicing↗

Thrombin inhibits tumor cell growth in association with up-regulation of p21(waf/cip1) and caspases via a p53-independent, STAT-1-dependent pathway.

Thrombin, a multifunctional protein, has been found to be involved in cellular mitogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis, in addition to its well known effects on the initiation of platelet aggregation and secretion and the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin to form blood clots. These properties of thrombin rely on its action as a serine protease, which cleaves the N-terminal region of a 7-transmembrane G protein receptor (protease-activated receptor, PAR-1), thus exposing a tethered end hexapeptide sequence capable of activating its receptor. Little is known about its effect on genes that regulate the cell cycle. This study was undertaken to investigate the possible mechanisms by which thrombin regulates tumor cell growth in several tumor cell lines: human CHRF megakaryocyte, DU145 prostate, MDAMB231 and MCF7 breast, U3A fibrosarcoma, and 2 murine fibroblast cell lines, MEFp53(-/-) and CD STAT(-/-). We have found that thrombin under the conditions of culture employed inhibits cell growth by both up-regulation of p21(waf/cip1) and induction of caspases via its PAR-1 receptor. The increased expression of p21(waf/cip1) by thrombin was p53 independent, STAT1 dependent, and protein synthesis independent. This was associated with tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT1, and nuclear translocation of STAT1. Induction of apoptosis is also PAR-1-specific, STAT1-dependent, and associated with up-regulation of caspases 1, 2, and 3. Our study establishes, for the first time, a link between PAR-1 receptor activation with the STAT signal pathway, which leads to cell cycle control and apoptosis. This observation broadens our understanding of the mechanism of PAR-1 activation and its effect on cell growth, and could possibly lead to therapeutic approaches for the treatment of cancer.

Animals↗

Phylogenetic and biogeographic relationships of eastern Asian and eastern North American disjunct Suillus species (fungi) as inferred from nuclear ribosomal RNA ITS sequences.

Species of Suillus produce fleshy, pored mushrooms. They are important symbiotic (ectomycorrhizal) partners of many coniferous trees. The genus includes several putative eastern Asian and eastern North American disjunct species, i.e., the S. americanus-S. sibiricus and S. decipiens-S. spraguei complexes. Phylogenetic relationships among the groups were determined to further understand the biogeographic pattern. Analyses were based on 40 sequences of the ITS region of the nuclear ribosomal RNA tandem repeats, representing 18 distinct species/populations. Our phylogenetic analyses suggested that: (1) Chinese and United States' (U.S.) S. spraguei plus S. decipiens form a strongly supported monophyletic group, with North American S. decipiens and Chinese S. spraguei being sister taxa; (2) S. americanus, Asian and U.S. S. sibiricus, plus S. umbonatus form a clade supported by a high bootstrap value; and (3) little ITS sequence divergence exists within the latter group compared to the S. decipiens-S. spraguei clade. Phylogenetic patterns revealed by this study imply a close phylogenetic relationship between eastern Asian and eastern North American disjunct population/species of Suillus. These fungi display relatively high host fidelity (at least to the host subgenus level), suggesting potential coevolutionary/comigratory trends.

Agaricales↗

Construction of a physical and transcript map for a 1-Mb genomic region containing the urofacial (Ochoa) syndrome gene on 10q23-q24 and localization of the disease gene within two overlapping BAC clones (<360 kb).

Urofacial (Ochoa) syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by distorted facial expression and urinary abnormalities. Previously, we mapped the UFS gene to chromosome 10q23-q24 and narrowed the interval to one YAC clone of 1410 kb. Here, we have constructed a BAC/PAC contig of the 1-Mb region using STS content mapping with 42 BAC/PAC-end sequences, 9 previously reported and 16 newly identified microsatellite markers, and 14 EST markers. A total of 26 polymorphic microsatellite markers were genotyped for 31 UFS patients from Colombia and 2 patients from the United States. Haplotype analyses suggest that the UFS gene is located within two overlapping BAC clones, a region of <360 kb of DNA sequence. We tested 42 EST markers previously mapped to the D10S1709-D10S603 interval against the BAC/PAC contig and identified 11 ESTs located in the 1-Mb region. Four of the 11 ESTs mapped to the 360-kb UFS critical region. Shotgun sequencing of the two BAC clones and BLASTN search of the EST databases revealed 3 other ESTs contained in the UFS critical region. These results will facilitate the cloning and identification of the UFS gene.

Bacteriophage P1↗

Genetic homogeneity, high-resolution mapping, and mutation analysis of the urofacial (Ochoa) syndrome and exclusion of the glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase gene (GOT1) in the critical region as the disease gene.

The urofacial (Ochoa) syndrome (UFS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by abnormal facial expression and urinary abnormalities. Previously, we mapped the gene to a genomic interval of approximately 1 cM on chromosome region 10q23-24, using families from Columbia. Here we demonstrate genetic homogeneity of the syndrome through homozygosity mapping in American patients with Irish heritage. We established a physical map and identified novel polymorphic markers in the UFS critical region. Haplotype analysis using the new markers mapped the UFS gene within one YAC clone of 1,410 kb. We also determined the precise location of the gene encoding for glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT1) within the new UFS critical region and determined its genomic structure. However, mutation analysis excluded GOT1 as a candidate for the UFS gene.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Functional analysis of human herpesvirus 8-encoded viral interferon regulatory factor 1 and its association with cellular interferon regulatory factors and p300.

Human herpesvirus 8/Kaposi sarcoma-associated virus (HHV-8/KSHV) contains, in addition to genes required for viral replication, a unique set of nonstructural genes which may be part of viral mimicry and contribute to viral replication and pathogenesis in vivo. Among these, HHV-8 encodes four open reading frames (ORFs) that showed homology to the transcription factors of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family. The ORF K9, viral IRF 1 (vIRF-1), has been cloned, and it was shown that, when overexpressed, it down modulates the interferon-mediated transcriptional activation of the interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG 15) promoter, and the role of vIRF-1 in viral mimicry was implied. However, the molecular mechanism of this effect has not been clarified. Here, we extend this observation and show that vIRF-1 also downregulates the transcriptional activity of IFNA gene promoter in infected cells by interfering with the transactivating activity of cellular IRFs, including IRF-1 and IRF-3. We further show that ectopic expression of vIRF-1 in NIH 3T3 cells confers resistance to tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced apoptosis. While vIRF-1 is unable to bind DNA with the same specificity as cellular IRFs, we demonstrate by in vitro binding assay that it can associate with the family of cellular IRFs, such as IRF-1 and the interferon consensus sequence binding protein. vIRF-1 interaction domain was localized between amino acids (aa) 152 and 243. While no binding between the full-size IRF-3 and vIRF-1 could be detected by the same assay, we show that vIRF-1 also targets the carboxy-terminal region (aa 1623 to 2414) of the transcriptional coactivator p300 which could also bind IRF-3 and IRF-1. These results demonstrate that vIRF-1 can modulate the transcription of the IFNA genes by direct heterodimerization with members of the IRF family, as well as by competitive binding with cellular transcription factors to the carboxy-terminal region of p300.

3T3 Cells↗

Chromosomal localization and complete genomic sequence of the murine autoimmune regulator gene (Aire).

We have recently cloned the murine autoimmune regulator (Aire) gene, the homologue of human AIRE responsible for the autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS1) or autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy (APECED). Here, we report the genomic sequence (18,413 bp) for the entire Aire gene and its 5' flanking region, which contains putative regulatory sequences. Comparison of the genomic and cDNA sequences indicates that the Aire gene is composed of 14 exons and the coding sequence shares high similarities between mouse and human. The sizes of the homologous introns in the two species are conserved; however, the introns do not share significant sequence homologies except the sequences near the splice donor and acceptor sites. Sequence analyses of the 5' regulatory region and the complete coding region in three mouse strains (B6, NOD and SJL) did not reveal any sequence variation, suggesting sequence conservation between different inbred mouse strains. Using one of the six microsatellite markers identified by genomic sequencing and a B6 x Cast backcross mapping panel, we mapped the mouse Aire gene to chromosome 10, a syntenic region containing the Cdl18 and Pfkl genes on human chromosome 21q22.

Animals↗

Protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) is required and rate-limiting for thrombin-enhanced experimental pulmonary metastasis.

Thrombin-treated tumor cells induce a metastatic phenotype in experimental pulmonary murine metastasis. Thrombin binds to a unique protease-activated receptor (PAR-1) that requires N-terminal proteolytic cleavage for activation by its tethered end. A 14-mer thrombin receptor activation peptide (TRAP) of the tethered end induces the same cellular changes as thrombin. Four murine tumor cells (Lewis lung, CT26 colon CA, B16F10 melanoma, and CCL163 fibroblasts) contain PAR-1, as detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). B16F10 cells did not contain the two other thrombin receptors, PAR-3 and glycoprotein Ib. TRAP-treated B16F10 tumor cells enhance pulmonary metastasis 41- to 48-fold (n = 17). Thrombin-treated B16F10 cells transfected with full-length murine PAR-1 sense cDNA (S6, S7, S14, and S22) enhanced their adhesion to fibronectin 1.5- to 2.4-fold (n = 5, P <.04), whereas thrombin-treated wild-type cells do not. S6 (adhesion index, 1.5-fold) and S14 (index, 2.4-fold) when examined by RT-PCR and Northern analysis showed minimal expression of PAR-1 for S6 over wild-type and considerable expression for S14. Immunohistochemistry showed greater expression of PAR-1 for S14 compared with wild-type or empty-plasmid transfected cells. In vivo experiments with the thrombin-treated S14 transfectant showed a fivefold to sixfold increase in metastases compared with empty-plasmid transfected thrombin-treated naive cells or S6 cells (n = 20, P =.0001 to .02). Antisense had no effect on thrombin-stimulated tumor mass. Thus, PAR-1 ligation and expression enhances and regulates tumor metastasis.

Animals↗

Detection and titration of human herpesvirus-8-specific antibodies in sera from blood donors, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients, and Kaposi's sarcoma patients using a whole virus enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

A human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a whole virus lysate as antigen was developed and used to measure the seroprevalence rate and levels of IgG antibodies to HHV-8 in sera/plasma of various patient groups and blood donors. The virus antigen was prepared from the KS-1 cell line, which produces lytic virus, and therefore contains a broad array of viral proteins. Seroprevalence studies using this ELISA showed the following: 10 of 91 blood donors (11%) had an average HHV-8 antibody titer of 118; 67 of 72 (93%) classic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) patients were positive with an average titer of 14,111; and 57 of 62 (92%) KS/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients were positive with an average titer of 4,000. A study on a very limited number of serial serum samples from patients before and after diagnosis with KS showed highly elevated antibody titers to HHV-8 virus after KS lesions developed. Preliminary data show that 50% of the sera from HIV-1(+) homosexual patients contain IgG antibodies to HHV-8 suggesting that this population is at high risk for developing KS. Antibody results correlated well with the confirmatory immunofluorescent assays (IFA) using KS-1 cells as the substrate. This HHV-8 IgG antibody detection ELISA is sensitive and specific and does not cross-react with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or other human herpesviruses. The results of this HHV-8 antibody survey suggest that this rapid ELISA assay can be used to screen large numbers of sera to find those at risk for developing KS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Evaluation of the tumorigenic and angiogenic potential of human fibroblast growth factor FGF3 in nude mice.

Recently, the expression of fibroblast growth factor 3 (FGF3) was found in 55% of human Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) tumor tissues examined, while almost no expression of FGF3 was found in normal skin. To further these studies, human FGF3 cDNA were constructed by the overlap-extension method. The proteins translated from two FGF3 cDNA, which differ only in the sequences preceding the AUG presumed to be the initiation codon, were shown to have the same molecular mass. This result suggests that translation of human FGF3, which is different from mouse FGF3, begins only at the AUG site. The human FGF cDNA was transfected into NIH3T3 cells. The NIH 3T3 cells transformed by FGF3 were then injected subcutaneously into athymic nude mice. Nodular lesions developed at the injection sites in all seven mice injected with the F3-1 cell clone, which showed high expression of FGF3, and in two out of six mice injected with the F3-2 cell clone, which expressed a low level of FGF3. Histopathological features of these tumors contained fascicles of spindle-shaped cells surrounding irregular endothelial lined vascular clefts, similar to those observed in human KS lesions. Immunohistochemical staining for factor V111 antigen revealed reactivity in multiple areas, especially in abundant vascular structures of the tumor sections examined. The expression of FGF3 together with the FGF receptors FGFR1, FGFR2, and FGFR3, was detected in the mouse tumors by Northern blot analysis. Our results indicate that tumors induced by FGF3-transformed NIH3T3 cells show some similarities to human KS tumors. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the potential tumorigenic and angiogenic role of human FGF3.

Animals↗

Herpes virus-like DNA (HHV-8) in immunosuppressive therapy-related, HIV-related and classical Kaposi's sarcoma in Norwegian patients.

The recently discovered human herpes virus 8 (Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma. Using polymerase chain reaction we detected DNA sequences of this herpes virus in 11 of 14 biopsy specimens from Kaposi's sarcoma in Norwegian patients, including the immunosuppressive therapy-related type (3 of 3), the HIV-related type (4 of 5), and the classical type (4 of 6). The results support the hypothesis of a role for human herpes virus 8 in all types of Kaposi's sarcoma independent of geographical area.

Adult↗