Identification of NV-F virus DNA in hepatocellular carcinoma.
A fragment of DNA sequence derived from a hepatotropic virus, named NV-F was isolated recently. The aim of this study was to examine whether this virus was associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Total cellular DNA was extracted from hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. NV-F virus DNA was detected by PCR. The PCR products were subjected to sequence analysis. Of the 78 HCC samples included, 12 (15.4%) were positive for NV-F virus DNA. Sequence analysis of the 12 amplified DNA fragments revealed a point mutation in one of them. The clinicopathological parameters between patients with and without NV-F virus infection were compared. It was found that patients with NV-F virus infection were older than those without NV-F virus infection (mean ages, 61.5 versus 52.5 years; P = 0.032). Otherwise, no difference was observed between the two groups. Of the 12 HCC patients positive for NV-F virus DNA, 11 patients were co-infected by either hepatitis B or C virus. The remaining patient was a Taiwanese aboriginal inhabitant with cryptogenic cirrhosis. In conclusion, NV-F virus DNA was identified in 15.4% of HCC tissues. HCC patients with NV-F virus infection were significantly older than those without NV-F virus infection.
Yeh
Chau-Ting
CT
Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan. chauting@adm.cgmh.org.tw
Chen
Tse-Ching
TC
Chang
Ming-Ling
ML
Hsu
Chao-Wei
CW
Yeh
Ta-Sen
TS
Lee
Wei-Chen
WC
Huang
Shiu-Feng
SF
Tsai
Chih-Chieh
CC
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D006518:Hepatitis Viruses / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D004279:DNA, Viral