Concomitant Epstein-Barr Virus-associated smooth muscle tumor and granulomatous inflammation of the liver

Epstein-Barr virus miR-BART2-5p and miR-BART11-5p regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration by targeting RB and p21 in gastric carcinoma

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was the first tumor virus discovered in humans and can cause various types of tumors. Molecular classification suggests that EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) is a unique subtype of gastric cancer.EBV was also the first virus found to encode its own microRNAs. However, the functions of many miRNAs remain unknown. This study investigated the roles and targets of miR-BART2-5p (BART2-5p) and miR-BART11-5p (BART11-5p) in EBVaGC. The expression of RB and p21 in EBVaGC and EBV negative GC (EBVnGC) cells was evaluated by western blotting. Expression of BART2-5p and BART11-5p in EBVaGC cells was evaluated by droplet digital PCR. The effects of BART2-5p or BART11-5p and their potential mechanisms were further investigated using cell counting kit-8, colony formation assay, flow cytometry analysis, and transwell assay. BART2-5p and BART11-5p were abundantly expressed and RB and p21 were downregulated in EBVaGC cells. BART2-5p regulates RB and p21 expression by directly targeting them. BART11-5p regulates RB expression by directly targeting RB. Both BART2-5p and BART11-5p promoted proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells, while inhibiting apoptosis and promoting S-phase arrest of the cell cycle. Thus, BART2-5p and BART11-5p play important roles in promoting proliferation and migration, and inhibiting apoptosis in EBVaGC by targeting RB and p21, thus providing new potential therapeutic targets for EBVaGC.

Transnasal endoscopic resection of Epstein-Barr virus-associated cavernous sinus tumour

Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumour (EBV-SMT) is a rare disease occurring in immunosuppressed patients, such as those with AIDS, post-transplantation immunodeficiency and congenital immunodeficiency. Intracranial EBV-SMT after solid organ transplantation has been reported. However, intracranial lesions after bone marrow transplantation are extremely rare. We report the case of a 47-year-old man with a history of acute myeloid leukaemia and bone marrow transplantation. He had symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, and MRI revealed a left cavernous sinus tumour. He started taking oral gabapentin, but his symptoms did not improve. We performed transnasal endoscopic surgery. Postoperative MRI showed complete removal of the cavernous sinus lesion. Pathological examination showed spindle-shaped cells positive for smooth muscle markers and EBV-encoded small RNA in situ hybridisation. EBV-SMT was pathologically diagnosed. His symptoms improved after surgery. No tumour recurrence was noted on follow-up MRI after 15 months without adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy.

Epstein-Barr virus associated hepatic smooth muscle tumor in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated smooth muscle tumors (SMTs) usually present under the condition of immunosuppression, including congenital immunodeficiency syndrome-SMT, post-transplantation-SMT and HIV-SMT. HIV-SMTs are most likely to invade the central nervous system, followed by the liver, lungs, and other locations. Many laboratory techniques, including serological techniques, polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry (IHC), are employed to determine the aetiologies of these tumours. With respect to therapy, surgical resection is the main treatment. In patients with immunodeficiency, improving immune status is significant for defending against other viruses. We describe a case of the primary focus of SMT in the liver of HIV-positive patient without any metastasis.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A young male HIV-positive patient complained of fever and abdominal pain for 2 months.

DIAGNOSIS

IHC of liver tissue confirmed the finding: EBV-related smooth muscle tumor.

INTERVENTIONS

Given the patient's general condition, he was not a suitable candidate for surgical resection. He was given antibiotics, antifungal agents and EBV-directed agents to control infection as well as highly active antiretroviral therapy to enhance the immunity.

OUTCOMES

The patient's symptoms improved. He was discharged.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, EBV-related HIV-SMTs is a rare neoplasm found in the liver among immunodeficient patients. This case highlights that a variety of examinations such as IHC for smooth muscle markers (smooth muscle actin and desmin) and EBER, as well as polymerase chain reaction for EBV DNA should be done when diagnoses are ambiguous.