Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Carcinoma of the Larynx: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Over the past few decades, several publications have investigated the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, and an increasing number of them have shown its presence in laryngeal tumors. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the association of EBV with laryngeal carcinoma. The search was carried out in two databases, Scopus and PubMed, using the following terms: “Epstein-Barr virus” and “laryngeal carcinoma”. A total of 187 records were found, of which 31 were selected for meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The meta-analysis yielded an overall pooled prevalence of 43.72% (95% confidence interval (CI): 34.35–53.08). Studies carried out in Europe and Eurasia had slightly higher pooled prevalence than other subgroups, while the prevalence of studies performed in developed countries was higher than in developing countries (46.37% vs. 34.02%). Furthermore, laryngeal carcinoma occurred almost three times as often among EBV-infected individuals compared to those without EBV infection (odds ratio = 2.86 (95% CI: 1.18–6.90); Begg’s test, p = 0.843 and Egger’s test, p = 0.866). Our findings support the idea that EBV is related to laryngeal carcinoma. However, further studies are needed before recognizing a definitive etiological role of EBV in the development and/or progression of laryngeal carcinomas.

Structural characterization of a galectin isolated from the marine sponge Chondrilla caribensis with leishmanicidal potential

BACKGROUND

Solving primary structure of lectins leads to an understanding of the physiological roles within an organism and its biotechnological potential. Only eight sponge lectins have had their primary structure fully determined.

METHODS

The primary structure of CCL, Chondrilla caribensis lectin, was determined by tandem mass spectrometry. The three-dimensional structure was predicted and the protein-carbohydrate interaction analysed by molecular docking. Furthermore, the anti-leishmanial activity was observed by assays with Leishmania infantum.

RESULTS

The amino acid sequence consists of 142 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 15,443 Da. The lectin has a galectin-like domain architecture. As observed in other sponge galectins, the signature sequence of a highly conserved domain was also identified in CCL with some modifications. CCL exhibits a typical galectin structure consisting of a β-sandwich. Molecular docking showed that the amino acids interacting with CCL ligands at the monosaccharide binding site are mostly the same as those conserved in this family of lectins. Through its interaction with L. infantum glycans, CCL was able to inhibit the development of this parasite. CCL also induced apoptosis after eliciting ROS production and altering the membrane integrity of Leishmania infantum promastigote.

CONCLUSIONS

CCL joins the restricted group of sponge lectins with determined primary structure and very high biotechnological potential owing to its promising results against pathogens that cause Leishmaniasis.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

As the determination of primary structure is important for biological studies, now CCL can become a sponge galectin with an exciting future in the field of human health.

Evaluation of HPV and EBV in OSCC and the expression of p53, p16, E-cadherin, COX-2, MYC, and MLH1

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the expression of p53, p16, E-cadherin, COX-2, MLH1, and MYC in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred OSCC specimens were submitted to in situ hybridization for HPV and EBV, and immunohistochemistry for detection of the human proteins.

RESULTS

Thirty-one cases showed HPV in tumor tissue. EBV was not detected in any case investigated. The HPV(+) group demonstrated an increase of staining scores for nuclear p16 (p = .047), cytoplasmic MYC (p = .002), while a decrease for nuclear MLH1 (p = .048), suggesting that HPV may upregulate the expression of the first two proteins and down-regulate the latter.

CONCLUSION

Our findings reinforce the hypothesis of the HPV-related oral carcinogenesis involving the expression of p16 and MYC, and MLH1 suppression. Exclusively cytoplasmic stainings for p16, MLH1, and MYC were also associated with more advanced tumors. Finally, in view of the lack of studies correlating the HPV or EBV infection to the expression of oncoproteins, more researches assessing a broader panel of markers and employing different approaches are still necessary in order to understand the role of these viruses as well as the molecular mechanisms involved in the development and progression of oral carcinomas.

Characterization of the sand fly fauna in Barbalha, one of the municipalities with the highest leishmaniasis rates in Brazil

Leishmaniases are a complex of sand fly-borne diseases that are considered a public health issue in several countries. Brazil presents high leishmaniases rates. The South of Ceará State, known as Cariri region, shows worrying statistics mainly on American tegumentary leishmaniasis. In Barbalha, which is one of the municipalities in this region, there is still a lack of studies regarding the local phlebotomine (Diptera: Psychodidae) fauna in order to help clarify the high rates. This study aimed to characterize such fauna by capturing sand flies with light traps during a four-year period. A total of 3730 sand flies were captured, of which 37.8% were females. Fourteen species were found: 13 of the Lutzomyia genus and one of the Brumptomyia genus. Of the Lutzomyia species, four were proven and five had potential involvement in leishmaniasis transmission. Lutzomyia longipalpis was the most common species (66.97%). This predominance, especially in the urban area, indicates its epidemiological importance and adaptation to environmental conditions modified by human activity. In fact, further studies are still required to accurately determine the behavioral features of these vectors in order to guide public health measurements towards its control and prevention.

Association between Epstein-Barr Virus and Oral Carcinoma: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the association of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We searched the electronic scientific databases of PubMed and Scopus and included a total of 53 studies that were published from 1990 to 2019. The analysis yielded a 45.37% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 38.90-51.84; p < 0.001) overall pooled prevalence of EBV. Studies that used the applied methods of in situ hybridization, polymerase chain reaction, immunology, or RNA microarray showed the following pooled prevalence: 46.08%, 40.32, 54.97%, and 74.89%, respectively. EBV-infected individuals have a 2.5 higher risk for developing OSCC (odds ratio: 2.57; 95% CI: 1.23% to 5.36%; p < 0.001). The present meta-analysis supports the hypothesis of EBV association with OSCC, pointing to this virus as a risk factor for neoplasia. Our findings also suggest that EBV latent transcripts (latent membrane protein 1, EBV nuclear antigen 1 and 2, and EBV-encoded small RNAs) have an important role in this process. Furthermore, novel advancements could arise from large and standardized studies that are constructed to probe for other latent gene expression, eliminate confounding factors (tobacco, alcohol, and high-risk human papillomavirus infection), and define the relationship between EBV and oral carcinomas.

Bipolar disorder incidence between children and adolescents: A brief communication

BACKGROUND

Bipolar affective disorder is one of most injurious psychiatric diseases, not, rarely leading patient for suicide, and its prevalence keeps increasing worldwide, notably on low and, middle-income countries. For children living in northeast Brazil, extreme social conditions constitute, an environment of special vulnerability.

OBJECTIVE

Here we show that bipolar disorder incidence, between children and adolescents in this Brazilian region increased 34.2% from 2005 to 2014 and, in, the same area and age group, deaths provoked by self-caused injuries also became progressively, greater.

RESULTS

According to DATASUS, the Brazilian national databank for public health, information, in the last five years, we observed an increase of Bipolar Disorder incidence rates under, 19 year-old of about 34.2% in the northeast region of Brazil, while the increase for Brazilian general, population was 12.4%. If considered only patients under 10, this number is even greater, of 47.2%. Content of Table 2 shows this disproportion, while comparing the advance of bipolar disorder, morbidity indices nationwide and worldwide.

CONCLUSION

Children living in Brazil's northeast, region are in a condition of extreme social disadvantage, what can be determinant for the recent and, sequential increase of bipolar disorder prevalence and the mortality in this age-group due to suicide, one of possible reflections of untreated mood disorders. For protecting these children is important to, identify the factors which prevent these illnesses and promote resilience for these young people.

Risk factors for suicide in bipolar disorder: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Bipolar disorder confers the highest risk of suicide among major psychological disorders. The risk factors associated with bipolar disorder and suicide exist and are relevant to clinicians and researchers.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic review of articles regarding the suicide risk factors in bipolar disorder.

METHODS

A systematic review of articles on suicide risk factors in bipolar disorder, published from January 1, 2010 to April 05, 2014, on SCOPUS and PUBMED databases was carried out. Search terms were "Suicide" (medical subject headings [MeSH]), "Risk factors" (MeSH), and "Bipolar" (keyword). Of the 220 retrieved studies, 42 met the eligibility criteria.

RESULTS

Bipolar disorder is associated with an increased rate death by suicide which contributes to overall mortality rates. Studies covered a wide range of aspects regarding suicide risk factors in bipolar disorder, such as risk factors associated to Sociodemographic conditions, Biological characteristics, Drugs Relationships, Psychological Factors, Genetic Compound, Religious and Spirituals conditions. Recent scientific literature regarding the suicide risk factors in bipolar disorder converge to, directly or indirectly, highlight the negative impacts of risk factors to the affected population quality of life.

CONCLUSION

This review demonstrated that Bipolar disorders commonly leads to other psychiatric disorders and co-morbidities involving risk of suicide. Thus the risk factors are relevant to have a better diagnosis and prognosis of BD cases involving risk of suicide.

Papel das Proteínas Precoces do Papilomavírus Humano na Carcinogênese

Introdução: O Papilomavírus Humano (HPV) e um agente epiteliotrópico que apresenta mais de 100 genótipos. Destes, alguns são considerados de alto risco devido ao potencial para induzir o surgimento de lesões malignas, como o carcinoma cervical, cujo percentual de associação com o referido vírus e de aproximadamente 90%. Nas células infectadas, duas proteínas virais desempenham papel fundamental na tumorigênese. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão dos trabalhos existentes na literatura cientifica internacional com enfoque no papel das proteínas virais do HPV na carcinogênese. Método: Os artigos utilizados para a realização da presente revisão foram selecionados e obtidos na integra nos portais eletrônicos PubMed e Periódicos Capes. Os descritores utilizados na busca incluíram: Human Papillomavirus, HPV, viral proteins, E5, E6 e E7. Resultados: As proteínas virais E6 e E7 são amplamente conhecidas por promoverem a degradação das proteínas celulares p53 e pRb, respectivamente, efeito que responde por grande parte do potencial ontogênico dos genótipos de alto risco de HPV, sendo funcionalmente equivalentes a mutações dos referidos genes celulares, que são comumente observadas em diversos tumores. Contudo, novos estudos tem demonstrado que essas proteínas virais também estão envolvidas em diversas outras vias tumorais, denotando novamente a relevância das mesmas nesse processo. Ademais, alguns trabalhos apontam a proteína E5 como coadjuvante na carcinogênese. Conclusão: Os diversos efeitos constatados das proteínas precoces virais culminam no favorecimento da proliferação celular descontrolada, imortalização, regulação da diferenciação celular, suscetibilidade a metástase e escape da vigilância imunológica.