The association of human cytomegalovirus with biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation in breast cancer

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Youssry, Sara^a | Hussein, Amina^a | Ramadan, Rabie^b | Alkarmouty, Ahmad^b | Elsheredy, Amel^c;

Affiliations: [a] Immunology and Allergy Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt | [b] Experimental and Clinical Surgery Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt | [c] Microbiology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Amel Elsheredy, Microbiology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165 El-Horreya Avenue, El-Hadara, Alexandria 21561, Egypt. Tel.: +203 4285455 - 4282373 - 4288233; Fax: +203 4283719; E-mail: amel.elsheredy@alexu.edu.eg, amelelsheredy@yahoo.com

Abstract: BACKGROUND:The presence of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in breast cancer has been reported, suggesting a potential association between HCMV infection and breast carcinogenesis. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the association between HCMV infection and immune activation and inflammatory markers in breast cancer. METHODS:HCMV DNA was detected from all patients using real-time PCR, Anti HCMV IgM and IgG antibodies were measured. IL-17 and IL-22 concentrations were detected by ELISA. Assessment of NLR and PLR was done, and cell proliferation was assessed using MTT assay. RESULTS:The results revealed a significantly increased prevalence of anti-HCMV IgG and HCMV DNA in patients compared to both benign and control groups where positive HCMV prevalence was significantly associated with vascular invasion, proliferation rate, high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and elevated IL-17 serum level. Furthermore, we demonstrated that increased serum IL-17 in patients was markedly associated with tumor stage, vascular invasion, and high NLR. CONCLUSION:It can be concluded that HCMV infection may have vital roles in breast cancer pathogenesis. Moreover, altered peripheral blood cells and cytokines may result in disordered immune response in breast cancer patients.

Keywords: HCMV, breast cancer, NLR, PLR, IL-17, IL-22

DOI: 10.3233/BD-210060

Journal: Breast Disease, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 229-239, 2022