Detection of polyomavirus DNA in human brain tumors
Iryna G Vasilyeva1, Mikhail I Shamaev, Alexandr Ya Glavatskiy
1A.P. Romodanov Institute of Neurosurgery of Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine. ira@neuro.kiev.ua
Aim:
To investigate surgically resected human brain tumors for the presence of polyomavirus DNA.
Materials And Methods:
65 samples of surgically resected human brain tumors (57 tumors were of neuroectodermal genesis, 4--mesenchimal, 4--metastatic tumors) were examined for the presence of viral DNA by PCR analysis.
Results:
DNA of polyomaviruses was found in oligodendroligomas (66.7% of cases), oligodendroastrocytomas (66.7% of cases) and glioblastomas (40% of cases). In metastatic tumors viral infection had not been detected. No correlation between the grade of brain tumors and infection with polyomavirus DNA has been revealed.
Conclusion:
Our data point to importance of investigation of the brain tumors and cerebrospinal fluid for determination of viral infection.
Insights
Polyomavirus DNA was detected in human brain tumors, particularly oligodendrogliomas, oligodendroastrocytomas, and glioblastomas. This highlights the need to test brain tumors and cerebrospinal fluid for viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Brain tumors represent a significant health challenge.
- The role of viral infections in tumorigenesis is an area of ongoing research.
- Polyomaviruses are a group of small DNA viruses with oncogenic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of polyomavirus DNA in surgically resected human brain tumors.
- To investigate potential correlations between polyomavirus infection and tumor type or grade.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis was employed.
- 65 surgically resected human brain tumor samples were analyzed.
- Tumor samples included neuroectodermal, mesenchymal, and metastatic types.
Main Results:
- Polyomavirus DNA was identified in 66.7% of oligodendrogliomas and oligodendroastrocytomas.
- Polyomavirus DNA was detected in 40% of glioblastomas.
- No viral DNA was found in metastatic tumors; no correlation with tumor grade was observed.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a potential association between polyomaviruses and certain brain tumor types.
- Further investigation of brain tumors and cerebrospinal fluid for viral infections is warranted.
- Understanding viral roles in brain cancer may inform diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
