Search

Background Methods Results Conclusions Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) has been extensively studied in cutaneous melanocytic tumors and has proven valuable as a diagnostic adjunct in routine dermatopathology practice. However, its expression in cutaneous vascular neoplasms, particularly angiosarcomas (AS), remains largely unexplored.To further explore PRAME expression in cutaneous AS, 18 cases of post‐irradiation and 13 cases of primary cutaneous AS were evaluated for PRAME. For comparison, sections from 11 deep soft tissue/visceral AS, 10 Kaposi sarcomas, 8 microvenular hemangiomas, 7 infantile hemangiomas, 8 atypical vascular lesions, 6 epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas, 6 pyogenic granulomas, 6 papillary endothelial hyperplasias, 6 epithelioid hemangiomas, 3 capillovenous malformations, 3 hobnail hemangiomas, 2 spindle cell hemangiomas, 2 pseudomyogenic hemangioendotheliomas, and 2 composite hemangioendotheliomas were also retrieved.Overall, 22 of 31 (70.9%; 12 post‐irradiation and 10 primary) cutaneous AS were positive for PRAME. In contrast, only 1 of 11 (9.1%) deep soft tissue/visceral AS showed diffuse and strong PRAME nuclear staining. All other tumor types were negative for PRAME, except for 5 of 7 (71.4%) infantile hemangiomas, which demonstrated rare (<5%; four cases) and 1+ (5–25%; one case) nuclear staining.In this study, we have demonstrated frequent nuclear PRAME expression in cutaneous AS. PRAME immunohistochemistry may serve as a valuable additional marker in selected clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the prevalence of herpesviruses among the Yanomami indigenous people and its connection to Heck's disease. The study collected saliva samples from 81 individuals from the Yanomami ethnic group and analyzed them for human herpesviruses. The results revealed that several individuals tested positive for various herpesviruses, including HSV-1, EBV, CMV, HHV-6, HHV-7, and HHV-8. The study also found a significant correlation between the presence of Heck's disease and HHV-6 and HSV-1. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the impact of viruses on indigenous populations and their unique manifestations. The study further examined the prevalence of herpesviruses among the Yanomami indigenous people and its association with Heck's disease. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in the presence of lesions during childhood compared to adolescence and adulthood. However, the disease typically begins before the age of 20 and spontaneously regresses over time. The study also discovered a rare connection between the development of Heck's disease and the presence of EBV, likely due to immunosuppression. Additionally, there was an association between Heck's disease and HSV-1, which is not commonly reported in the literature. This research underscores the need for greater understanding of how these microorganisms behave in indigenous populations and the development of public health policies to address the oral and periodontal conditions of indigenous people. [Extracted from the article]

Background Reemergence of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)–induced Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in people living with HIV (PLWH) despite antiretroviral therapy (ART) poses a clinical challenge because they already have favorable CD4 T-cell numbers and undetectable viral loads. We observed that clinical presentation in PLWH on ART resembled classic KS found in older HIV-uninfected patients and hypothesized that immunosenescence may thus play a role in occurrence of KS on ART. We compared viral and immune factors implicated in the development of KS in ART-treated PLWH (HIV KS) and HIV-uninfected classic KS patients (cKS), compared to controls without KS (HIV Control, cControls respectively). Methods Plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cell, and skin tissues were obtained from 11 HIV KS and 11 cKS patients and 2 groups of age-matched controls. Results HIV KS participants were younger than cKS (aged 53 vs 75 years). HHV-8 genotypes did not differ between groups. Despite the younger age and a lower CD4/CD8 ratio, activated, exhausted, and senescent T-cell frequencies were similar between HIV KS and cKS. Anti–HHV-8 immunoglobulin G levels were higher and circulating HHV-8 DNA lower in HIV KS compared with cKS. Circulating platelet-derived growth factors AA-BB and granulocyte colony-stimulating factors were higher in HIV KS We observed similar levels of HHV-8 DNA and PD-1 expression in skin lesions from HIV KS and cKS patients. Conclusions Altogether, early immune senescence could be involved in the development of KS in ART-treated PLWH. Higher anti–HHV-8 immunoglobulin G levels could be linked with lower circulating viral load. Such insights should help developing therapeutical strategies to prevent development and treat KS in PLWH on ART. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a multicentric vascular and lymphatic neoplasm caused by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8). It generally concerns the elderly and immunosuppressed population. Four major clinical types of KS have been described. The most common subtype is Classical KS (CKS). Objectives: Our retrospective study aimed to better define prognostic subgroups among patients with CKS, which is the most common in our country. Method: Between 2014 and 2020, 43 patients with CKS were treated with local excision, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Reviewed information included demographics, clinical features, laboratory findings, treatment responses and overall survival. Results: During the follow‐up, eight patients (18.6%) died of CKS. The complete response rate was 46.5%, partial response and stable disease 51.2%, and progressive disease 2.3% of all patients. Gender, haemoglobin level at diagnosis, and disseminated involvement were prognostic factors affecting survival in all patients. Conclusion: We confirmed that male gender, low haemoglobin levels, and disseminated involvement are associated with poor prognosis in CKS patients. It is the only Turkish study in which prognostic analysis was performed for this rare cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human immunodeficiency virus/Acquired immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS) is well known to be a major public health problem globally. On the other hand, HIV/AIDS is associated with various otorhinolaryngological manifestations. On the other hand, there has been a global reduction in the burden of otorhinolaryngological manifestations since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy though there are limited studies on otorhinolaryngological manifestations among HIV/AIDS patients in Tanzania. A hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Ilala District in Dar es Salaam from November 2022 to March 2023 where 380 study participants were recruited using convenience sampling technique. Data was collected using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires and analysis was done by means of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Of all the 380 patients recruited in this study, 22 (5.8%) had otorhinolaryngological manifestations. Most of the patients with otorhinolaryngological manifestations were males (6.1%) in the age group 0–9 years (23.1%) followed by those aged 10–19 years (18.8%). The commonest otorhinolaryngological manifestations were allergic rhinitis (22.7%) and otitis externa (22.7%) followed by hearing loss (18.2%), Kaposi's sarcoma (13.7%), tonsillitis (9.1%), chronic suppurative otitis media, (4.5%) sinusitis (4.5%) and adenoid hypertrophy (4.5%). Otitis externa predominated in males (23.1%) while allergic rhinitis predominated in females (33.3%). Similarly, a significant association was found between the occurrence of otorhinolaryngological manifestations with CD4 counts (p-value = 0.001) and viral load (p-value = 0.000). Otorhinolaryngological manifestations among patients living with HIV/AIDS and on highly active antiretroviral therapy were less prevalent. Males outnumbered females in terms of being affected by otorhinolaryngological manifestations. Allergic rhinitis and otitis externa were the commonest otorhinolaryngological manifestations and most of participants with otorhinolaryngological manifestations had viral load of greater than 100 copies and CD4 counts of less than 200cells/mm3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are prone to skin cancer due to the immunosuppression required to maintain graft function. Existing studies of skin cancer in RTRs focus on patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I‐II, with limited documentation of incidence in skin types III‐VI. This study seeks to better characterize skin cancers in RTRs with skin types III‐VI. Primary aims: Compare the incidence of skin cancer in RTRs of skin types I‐II with skin types III‐VI. Secondary aims: Explore the association between the development of skin cancer and other contributing factors in RTRs of skin types I‐VI. Methods: Retrospective chart review of RTRs at a single institution between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2022. Patients were followed from the date of transplant to the last clinical follow‐up or death. 777 RTRs were included in the study, including 245 patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I‐II and 532 with skin types III‐VI. A total of 48 patients developed NMSCs, 2 patients developed melanoma, and 3 patients developed Kaposi sarcoma. Results and conclusions: There is a higher incidence of skin cancer in RTRs with Fitzpatrick skin types III‐VI compared to the reported incidence among non‐transplant recipients of the same skin types, but the incidence remains considerably lower compared to RTR of skin types I‐II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaposi’s sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) ORF34 plays a significant role as a component of the viral pre-initiation complex (vPIC), which is indispensable for late gene expression across beta- and gammaherpesviruses. Although the key role of ORF34 within the vPIC and its function as a hub protein have been recognized, further clarification regarding its specific contribution to vPIC functionality and interactions with other components is required. This study employed a deep learning algorithm-assisted structural model of ORF34, revealing highly conserved amino acid residues across human beta- and gammaherpesviruses localized in structured domains. Thus, we engineered ORF34 alanine-scanning mutants by substituting conserved residues with alanine. These mutants were evaluated for their ability to interact with other vPIC factors and restore viral production in cells harboring the ORF34-deficient KSHV-BAC. Our experimental results highlight the crucial role of the four cysteine residues conserved in ORF34: a tetrahedral arrangement consisting of a pair of C-Xn-C consensus motifs. This suggests the potential incorporation of metal cations in interacting with ORF24 and ORF66 vPIC components, facilitating late gene transcription, and promoting overall virus production by capturing metal cations. In summary, our findings underline the essential role of conserved cysteines in KSHV ORF34 for effective vPIC assembly and viral replication, thereby enhancing our understanding of the complex interplay between the vPIC components. IMPORTANCE The initiation of late gene transcription is universally conserved across the beta- and gammaherpesvirus families. This process employs a viral pre-initiation complex (vPIC), which is analogous to a cellular PIC. Although KSHV ORF34 is a critical factor for viral replication and is a component of the vPIC, the specifics of vPIC formation and the essential domains crucial for its function remain unclear. Structural predictions suggest that the four conserved cysteines (C170, C175, C256, and C259) form a tetrahedron that coordinates the metal cation. We investigated the role of these conserved amino acids in interactions with other vPIC components, late gene expression, and virus production to demonstrate for the first time that these cysteines are pivotal for such functions. This discovery not only deepens our comprehensive understanding of ORF34 and vPIC dynamics but also lays the groundwork for more detailed studies on herpesvirus replication mechanisms in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is an angio‐proliferative disease with a viral etiology and a multifactorial pathogenesis that results from immune dysfunction. In patients affected by latent viral infections such as herpesviruses, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection may result in lytic cycle reactivation in host cells. A robust immune system response is crucial for eliminating pathogens and resolving both latent and non‐latent viral infections. We report a case series of KS characterized by tumor progression after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. We performed a systematic literature review of the PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. The keyword terms included "SARS‐CoV‐2," "HHV‐8," "Kaposi's sarcoma," "IL‐6," and "COVID‐19." English language restriction was applied. Items not covered by our study were excluded. KS is a complex disease linked to an impaired immune system. Conditions that result in temporary or permanent immunodeficiency can trigger viral reactivation or exacerbate an existing disease. It is feasible that the increase in cytokine levels in COVID‐19 patients, coupled with lymphocyte downregulation and treatment that induces herpesvirus lytic reactivation, may contribute to the progression of KS after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. These observations suggest that patients with KS should be clinically monitored both during and after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Nevertheless, prospective data should be collected to validate this hypothesis and enhance our understanding of the mechanisms implicated in the onset or progression of KS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a neoplasm of vascular origin that promotes angiogenesis and the growth of endothelial cells triggered by the Kaposi Sarcoma‐associated Herpes Virus (KSHV). When associated with HIV, KSHV becomes more aggressive and rapidly evolves. The HIV‐1 TAT protein can be essential in developing AIDS‐associated KS by promoting angiogenesis and increasing KSHV replication. Therefore, we evaluated the genetic profile of the first exon of tat gene among groups of people living with HIV (PLHIV) with (case group, n = 36) or without KS, this later with (positive control group, n = 46) and without KSHV infection (negative control group, n = 24); all individuals under antiretroviral therapy. The genetic diversity, the DN/DS ratio, and the genetic entropy of the first exon of tat were higher in the case group, followed by the positive control group, which was higher than the negative control group. The number of tat codons under positive selection was seven in the case group, six in the positive control group, and one in the negative control group. The prevalence of HIV viral loads below the detection limit was equal in the case and positive control groups, which were lower than in the negative control group. The mean CD4+ T cell counts were higher in the negative control group, followed by the positive control group, and followed by the case group. These results emphasize the negative influence of KSHV in antiretroviral treatment, as well as the HIV‐specific TAT profile among PLHIV who developed KS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently published near full-length KSHV genomes from a Cameroon Kaposi sarcoma case-control study showed strong evidence of viral recombination and mixed infections, but no sequence variations associated with disease. Using the same methodology, an additional 102 KSHV genomes from 76 individuals with KSHV-associated diseases have been sequenced. Diagnoses comprise all KSHV-associated diseases (KAD): Kaposi sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), KSHV-associated large cell lymphoma (KSHV-LCL), a type of multicentric Castleman disease (KSHV-MCD), and KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS). Participants originated from 22 different countries, providing the opportunity to obtain new near full-length sequences of a wide diversity of KSHV genomes. These include near full-length sequence of genomes with KSHV K1 subtypes A, B, C, and F as well as subtype E, for which no full sequence was previously available. High levels of recombination were observed. Fourteen individuals (18%) showed evidence of infection with multiple KSHV variants (from two to four unique genomes). Twenty-six comparisons of sequences, obtained from various sampling sites including PBMC, tissue biopsies, oral fluids, and effusions in the same participants, identified near complete genome conservation between different biological compartments. Polymorphisms were identified in coding and non-coding regions, including indels in the K3 and K15 genes and sequence inversions here reported for the first time. One such polymorphism in KSHV ORF46, specific to the KSHV K1 subtype E2, encoded a mutation in the leucine loop extension of the uracil DNA glycosylase that results in alteration of biochemical functions of this protein. This confirms that KSHV sequence variations can have functional consequences warranting further investigation. This study represents the largest and most diverse analysis of KSHV genome sequences to date among individuals with KAD and provides important new information on global KSHV genomics. Author summary: The prevalence of KSHV infection, one of eight viruses associated with human cancer, differs geographically as does the incidence of Kaposi sarcoma and other KSHV-associated diseases. Distribution of KSHV subtypes, defined solely by the sequence of the K1 gene, also differs by region. One hundred and two near full-length KSHV genomes from people with associated diseases from a wide variety of countries were sequenced, substantially increasing the number and diversity of KSHV genomes publicly available, thereby allowing the analysis of variance across geographical regions, potential contributions of viral genetics to the risk of disease, and viral evolution. Our data demonstrate that viral recombination is common, as previously published, and that infections with multiple KSHV genomes may also be frequent, which has not been widely reported. We did not find evidence of an association between viral subtypes and disease nor indications that different sampling sites from the same individual, including tumor specimens, harbored substantially different KSHV genomes. Our data significantly inform the current efforts to study epidemiology and the prevention of KSHV infection, including vaccine development, as well as the pathogenesis of associated diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaposi's sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic herpesvirus that is linked directly to the development of Kaposi's sarcoma. KSHV establishes a latent infection in B cells, which can be reactivated to initiate lytic replication, producing infectious virions. Using pharmacological and genetic silencing approaches, we showed that the voltage-gated K+ channel Kv1.3 in B cells enhanced KSHV lytic replication. The KSHV replication and transcription activator (RTA) protein increased the abundance of Kv1.3 and led to enhanced K+ channel activity and hyperpolarization of the B cell membrane. Enhanced Kv1.3 activity promoted intracellular Ca2+ influx, leading to the Ca2+-driven nuclear localization of KSHV RTA and host nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) proteins and subsequently increased the expression of NFAT1 target genes. KSHV lytic replication and infectious virion production were inhibited by Kv1.3 blockers or silencing. These findings highlight Kv1.3 as a druggable host factor that is key to the successful completion of KSHV lytic replication. Editor's summary: Kaposi's sarcoma is driven by Kaposi's sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV), which preferentially infects B cells. Carden et al. identified a role for the voltage-gated K+ channel Kv1.3 in B cells in the lytic phase of KSHV, during which active viral replication occurs. KSHV increased the abundance and activity of Kv1.3 channels during lytic replication. Overexpression of the KSHV-encoded early protein RTA was sufficient to induce the transcription of Kv1.3-encoding mRNA. Kv1.3 maintained a hyperpolarized membrane potential that allowed Ca2+ influx, which was required for KSHV lytic replication. These results suggest that Kv1.3 is a potential target in treating KSHV-driven malignancies. —Amy E. Baek [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusion Human herpes virus 8 (HHV‐8) or Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) is an opportunistic oncovirus that causes multiple pathologic entities.We present a case of fatal HHV‐8‐associated multisystem illness with disseminated Kaposi sarcoma and HHV8‐associated lymphoproliferative disorder with systemic inflammation. We conducted a narrative review of the literature on HHV‐8 in transplantation with a goal of illuminating the spectrum of HHV‐8‐associated diseases in this vulnerable population, modes of disease transmission, and the potential role for donor and recipient screening.HHV‐8‐associated KS, primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), multicentric Castleman disease (MCD), and KSHV inflammatory cytokine disorder (KICS) may affect transplant recipients; with the exception of KS, these conditions are rare but carry high morbidity and mortality.HHV‐8‐associated diseases have diverse and protean manifestations in transplant recipients, with potentially fatal outcomes. HHV‐8 seroprevalence among organ donors and the magnitude of risk for donor‐derived HHV‐8 infection or clinically significant disease remain unknown and require further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: While sun exposure and associated tissue changes stemming from ultraviolet radiation are closely associated with the most common forms of skin cancer, far less is known regarding rare types of skin cancer. In this study, for the first time, we used a light microscopy technique to evaluate connective tissue changes in samples from patients with six different types of rare skin cancers, assessing the relationship between these changes, patient age, and whether tumors arose on sun-exposed parts of the body. We found that these tissue changes were most pronounced for patients with specific cancers known to be linked to chronic sun damage and tumors arising on sun-exposed parts of the body. We also noted tumor type-specific trends in terms of sex ratios, sites of tumor presentation, and the relationship between the development of particular tumors and patient immunosuppression. Our results are important and novel as they expand the available data associated with these rare skin cancers while also offering insight into the value of differentiating among these tumor types based on their relationship with sun exposure, potentially informing preventative, diagnostic, and/or therapeutic approaches. (1) Background: Rare skin cancers include epithelial, neuroendocrine, and hematopoietic neoplasias as well as cutaneous sarcomas. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and sunburns are important drivers for the incidence of certain cutaneous sarcomas; however, the pathogenetic role of UV light is less clear in rare skin cancers compared to keratinocyte cancer and melanoma. In this study, we compared the degree of actinic elastosis (AE) as a surrogate for lifetime UV exposure among selected rare skin cancers (atypical fibroxanthoma [AFX], pleomorphic dermal sarcoma [PDS], dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans [DFSP], Kaposi sarcoma [KS], Merkel cell carcinoma [MCC], and leiomyosarcoma [LMS]) while taking into account relevant clinical variables (age, sex, and body site). (2) Methods: We newly established a semi-quantitative score for the degree of AE ranging from 0 = none to 3 = total loss of elastic fibers (basophilic degeneration) and multiplied it by the perilesional vertical extent (depth), measured histometrically (tumor-associated elastosis grade (TEG)). We matched the TEG of n = 210 rare skin cancers from 210 patients with their clinical variables. (3) Results: TEG values were correlated with age and whether tumors arose on UV-exposed body sites. TEG values were significantly higher in AFX and PDS cases compared to all other analyzed rare skin cancer types. As expected, TEG values were low in DFSP and KS, while MCC cases exhibited intermediate TEG values. (4) Conclusions: High cumulative UV exposure is more strongly associated with AFX/PDS and MCC than with other rare skin cancers. These important results expand the available data associated with rare skin cancers while also offering insight into the value of differentiating among these tumor types based on their relationship with sun exposure, potentially informing preventative, diagnostic and/or therapeutic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case of an adolescent male who presented with a solitary firm nodule on his upper back. The nodule was asymptomatic and had been present for four years. Despite receiving multiple treatments, the nodule did not improve. Dermoscopy and histopathology revealed features consistent with aneurysmal dermatofibroma (ADF), a rare variant of dermatofibroma. ADF can be mistaken for other malignancies and requires a high degree of suspicion for diagnosis. The nodule was surgically excised without recurrence. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Cancer is becoming a major health problem in Uganda. Cancer control requires accurate estimates of the cancer burden for planning and monitoring of the cancer control strategies. However, cancer estimates and trends for Uganda are mainly based on one population-based cancer registry (PBCR), located in Kampala, the capital city, due to a lack of PBCRs in other regions. This study aimed at estimating cancer incidence among the geographical regions and providing national estimates of cancer incidence in Uganda. Methods: A retrospective study, using a catchment population approach, was conducted from June 2019 to February 2020. The study registered all newly diagnosed cancer cases, in the period of 2013 to 2017, among three geographical regions: Central, Western and Eastern regions. Utilizing regions as strata, stratified random sampling was used to select the study populations. Cases were coded according to the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-0-03). Data was analysed using CanReg5 and Microsoft Excel. Results: 11598 cases (5157 males and 6441 females) were recorded. The overall national age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) were 82.9 and 87.4 per 100,000 people in males and females respectively. The regional ASIRs were: 125.4 per 100,000 in males and 134.6 per 100,000 in females in central region; 58.2 per 100,000 in males and 56.5 per 100,000 in females in Western region; and 46.5 per 100,000 in males and 53.7 per 100,000 in females in Eastern region. Overall, the most common cancers in males over the study period were cancers of the prostate, oesophagus, Kaposi's sarcoma, stomach and liver. In females, the most frequent cancers were: cervix, breast, oesophagus, Kaposi's sarcoma and stomach. Conclusion: The overall cancer incidence rates from this study are different from the documented national estimates for Uganda. This emphasises the need to enhance the current methodologies for describing the country's cancer burden. Studies like this one are critical in enhancing the cancer surveillance system by estimating regional and national cancer incidence and allowing for the planning and monitoring of evidence-based cancer control strategies at all levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a cancer originating from the endothelial cells of blood and lymphatic vessels. It develops multifocally as a result of pathological vascular hyperplasia. There are four forms of the disease: classic, endemic, iatrogenic, and epidemic. The treatment of Kaposi’s sarcoma depends on the clinical form, stage of advancement, and the immunological condition of the patient. The article presents the case of an 82-year-old patient from the Dermatology Department of the Provincial Hospital in Elblag diagnosed with Kaposi’s sarcoma with bullous lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After liver transplantation (LTx), the most common cause of death in the long-term is de-novo malignancy (DNM). The aim is to review the gender differences in the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of DNM within the same geographical locations. Four studies were identified comparing post-LTx SIR between males and females. From 6663 males and 2780 females LTx recipients, the mean SIR from each of the four studies for males is 2.8, 2.0, 1.94, and 3.4, and 3.5, 1.3, 1.95, and 2.3 for females. On meta-analysis using a random effect model for each gender group. No significant difference was revealed after logarithmic transformation and subgroup meta-analysis. Overall mean SIR with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) for males is 2.53 (95% CI 1.65-3.88) and 2.3 (1.25-4.24) for females. lung malignancy, 1.97 (1.14-3.41) for males and 2.65 (0.67-10.47) for females. For colorectal malignancy, the combined SIR for males is 1.98 (0.58-6.78) and 1.85 (1.02-3.37) for females. The SIR for female gender-specific malignancies; SIR for breast is 1.1 ± 4.4, cervix 2.9 ± 1.9, uterus 2.8, and ovarian 0.7, and for males, testis 1.6 ± 1.3, prostate 1.2 ± 0.4. However, rare malignancies, male breast cancers (n = 1, SIR, 22.6), and Kaposi's sarcoma, in males (n = 6) and in females (n = 1), had SIR 120. and 212.7, respectively. Overall, there are no statistical differences between male and female DNM. Female-specific cervix, uterus, ovarian, and male-specific testis and prostate have similar SIR. Rare malignancies have very high SIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) constitute a wide range of malignancies originating from the epithelial lining of the upper aerodigestive tract, including the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and salivary glands. Although lymphomas affecting this region are not conventionally classified as HNCs, they may occur in lymph nodes or mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues within the head and neck. Oncogenic viruses play a crucial role in HNC onset. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is extensively studied for its association with oropharyngeal cancers; nevertheless, other oncogenic viruses also contribute to HNC development. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and advancements in detection methods of oncogenic viruses associated with HNCs, recognizing HPV's well-established role while exploring additional viral connections. Notably, Epstein–Barr virus is linked to nasopharyngeal carcinoma and lymphomas. Human herpesvirus 8 is implicated in Kaposi's sarcoma, and Merkel cell polyomavirus is associated with subsets of HNCs. Additionally, hepatitis viruses are examined for their potential association with HNCs. Understanding the viral contributions in the head and neck area is critical for refining therapeutic approaches. This review underlines the interaction between viruses and malignancies in this region, highlighting the necessity for ongoing research to elucidate additional mechanisms and enhance clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: AIDS related Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is an AIDS-defining illness and is now increasingly recognized in children infected with HIV. Many of these cases are missed due to low index of suspicion. Vertical transmission of HIV is the commonest route of transmission in children and this is preventable by early maternal antenatal diagnosis, early commencement of HAART by the mother and adoption of the safest possible mode of delivery. The index case did not benefit from these services, making her acquire HIV and then develop AIDS-defining illness (KS) at a tender age of 4 years. Aim and objective: The study is aimed at emphasizing the need for all pregnant women to have antenatal screening as soon as pregnancy is confirmed so as to prevent vertical transmission of HIV to the unborn child. It is also aimed at creating awareness in clinical practice so as to increase index of suspicion among clinicians when evaluating chronically ill children. Case Description: GG was a 4year old girl who presented at 108 Nigerian Air force Hospital, Abuja with non-itchy skin rashes of two weeks duration, generalized body swelling, cough and haematochezia of one week duration, and fever of four days duration. She was a paternal orphan having lost her father a year prior to presentation to Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related illness. Her mother also tested positive to Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and has been on highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) for a year. Physical examination revealed moderate pallor, bilateral pitting pedal oedema, and matted non-tender peripheral lymphadenopathy. There were papular and nodular skin lesions with a reddish solid lesion on the hard palate. She tested positive to HIV. Abdominal ultrasound scan revealed moderate hepatomegaly with ascites, while chest x-ray showed bilateral interstitial pneumonitis, right hilar lymphadenopathy, right pulmonary nodule and ipsilateral pleural effusion. Excisional biopsy of one of the skin nodules confirmed the diagnosis of Kaposi’s sarcoma. She was commenced on HAART and antibiotics, with a unit of blood transfused. Her condition deteriorated, which necessitated referral to university of Abuja Teaching Hospital where she eventually died after a day of admission. Conclusion: Paediatric AIDSrelated KS is becoming increasingly common in Nigeria and as such, high index of suspicion is required while evaluating pediatric patients. This, coupled with early commencement of with early commencement of HAART is required to avert the pitfalls observed in this case; bearing in mind that childhood AIDSrelated KS is lethal.

Human immunodeficiency virus-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (HIV-KS) is a well-documented vascular tumor with a pathogenesis involving human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infection. While antiretroviral therapy (ART) and chemotherapy are effective for treating most KS cases, some become refractory. In this report, we present a case of a 58-year-old man with refractory HIV-KS treated with ART and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was eventually discontinued due to an adverse reaction, and the patient presented with painful plantar lesions that impaired ambulation. With the exclusion of visceral metastases, localized radiotherapy was administered, which resulted in significant cosmetic and functional improvements. The patient regained ambulation and lived independently, receiving additional radiotherapy as needed. This case underscores the potential use of radiotherapy for the treatment of ART-resistant KS, particularly when the patient is unresponsive to conventional chemotherapy. It also highlights the need for future research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a cancer affecting skin and internal organs for which the Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a necessary cause. Previous work has pursued KS diagnosis by quantifying KSHV DNA in skin biopsies using a point-of-care (POC) device which performs quantitative loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). These previous studies revealed that extracting DNA from patient biopsies was the rate limiting step in an otherwise rapid process. In this study, a simplified, POC-compatible alkaline DNA extraction, ColdSHOT, was optimized for 0.75 mm human skin punch biopsies. The optimized ColdSHOT extraction consistently produced 40,000+ copies of DNA per 5 µl reaction from 3 mg samples—a yield comparable to standard spin column extractions—within 1 h without significant equipment. The DNA yield was estimated sufficient for KSHV detection from KS-positive patient biopsies, and the LAMP assay was not affected by non-target tissue in the unpurified samples. Furthermore, the yields achieved via ColdSHOT were robust to sample storage in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or Tris-EDTA (TE) buffer prior to DNA extraction, and the DNA sample was stable after extraction. The results presented in this study indicate that the ColdSHOT DNA extraction could be implemented to simplify and accelerate the LAMP-based diagnosis of Kaposi’s sarcoma using submillimeter biopsy samples.

Abstract Background Clinically, most patients with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) are male, and several direct and indirect mechanisms may underlie this increased susceptibility in men, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), is considered to be the primary etiological agent responsible for KS. Thus, we propose the hypothesis that men are more susceptible to HHV-8 infection, leading to a higher incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma among males. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between gender and HHV-8 seropositivity in the general population. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed using 6 online databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang. Studies published before March 15, 2023, were included. Results In all, 33 articles including 41 studies were included in the meta-analysis. In the included adult population. men had a higher risk of HHV-8 infection than did women in adult populations from all over the world (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.15), but no differences were found in child population from all over the world (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.79–1.01). There was a significant difference in HHV-8 seroprevalence between men and women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) adult population (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.05–1.26). However, no significant differences were observed in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) child population (OR: 0.90, 95%CI 0.78–1.03). As for other continents, the results showed no significant difference, such as the Asian population (OR: 1.03, 95%CI: 0.92–1.16). or the European and American populations (OR 1.01, 95%CI 0.87–1.17). Conclusion There was a slight gender disparity for HHV-8 infection in the adult population. Among the adult populations from SSA and globally, men were more likely to be infected with HHV-8 than were women. However, no statistical significance was observed in the child populations from SSA and globally. In the future, the inclusion of more standardized studies may strengthen the results of this study.

Bizunesh Dires Fenta,1 Alazar Berhe Aregawi,2 Teketel Tadesse Geremew,1 Berhanu Kelemework Fenta3 1Department of Pathology, Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia; 2Department of Surgery, Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia; 3Department of Internal Medicine, Yanet Internal Medicine Specialized Center, Hawassa, Sidama, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Alazar Berhe Aregawi, Tel +251911914624, Email alazarberhe@hu.edu.etAbstract: One kind of angioproliferative disorder is Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS). Growth of spindle-shaped cells, edema, inflammation, and neoangiogenesis are its defining features. Because it lacks the typical indicators of malignancy, it is classified as an intermediate neoplasm. People who are immunocompromised, receiving organ transplants, or receiving antiretroviral therapy are linked to KS. Although lymph node involvement by KS is extremely uncommon, when it does occur, it usually manifests as either the epidemic form in (Human Immuno-deficiency) HIV-positive patients or the endemic form in Africans. There are four primary clinical manifestations of KS that have been documented: endemic, epidemic, iatrogenic, and classic. The diagnosis of KS is made by history, physical examination, and tissue biopsy. When treating localized disease, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may be sufficient to either improve or completely eradicate the illness. Nonetheless, chemotherapy and HAART would be necessary in the case of widespread illness. Here, we present the case of a 28-year-old female patient who is HIV positive and has a viral load that is not detected. She presented with generalized lymphadenopathy of 8 months duration. She had no cutaneous manifestations. The lymphadenopathy involved the tonsils, axilla, inguinal, and an unusual site, intraparotid on both sides. After a pathologic examination of the lymph nodes, she was found to have epidemic-type KS and was treated with HAART and chemotherapy. In our nation, we are not aware of any published case reports pertaining to a case like this. The purpose of this case report is to raise physicians’ awareness of this uncommon ailment and to encourage them to suspect KS when HIV patients exhibit generalized lymphadenopathy. The early initiation of systemic treatment is lifesaving for these patients.Keywords: Kaposi’s sarcoma, KS, Human immune-deficiency Virus, HIV, human herpes virus-8, Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome, AIDS, generalized lymphadenopathy

Gammaherpesviruses are oncogenic viruses that establish lifelong infections and are significant causes of morbidity and mortality. Vaccine strategies to limit gammaherpesvirus infection and disease are in development, but there are no FDA-approved vaccines for Epstein-Barr or Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus. As a new approach to gammaherpesvirus vaccination, we developed and tested a replication-deficient virus (RDV) platform, using murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68), a well-established mouse model for gammaherpesvirus pathogenesis studies and preclinical therapeutic evaluations. We employed codon-shuffling-based complementation to generate revertant-free RDV lacking expression of the essential replication and transactivator protein encoded by ORF50 to arrest viral gene expression early after de novo infection. Inoculation with RDV-50.stop exposes the host to intact virion particles and leads to limited lytic gene expression in infected cells yet does not produce additional infectious particles. Prime-boost vaccination of mice with RDV-50.stop elicited virus-specific neutralizing antibody and effector T cell responses in the lung and spleen. In contrast to vaccination with heat-inactivated WT MHV68, vaccination with RDV-50.stop resulted in a near complete abolishment of virus replication in the lung 7 days post-challenge and reduction of latency establishment in the spleen 16 days post-challenge with WT MHV68. Ifnar1−/− mice, which lack the type I interferon receptor, exhibit severe disease and high mortality upon infection with WT MHV68. RDV-50.stop vaccination of Ifnar1−/− mice prevented wasting and mortality upon challenge with WT MHV68. These results demonstrate that prime-boost vaccination with a gammaherpesvirus that is unable to undergo lytic replication offers protection against acute replication, impairs the establishment of latency, and prevents severe disease upon the WT virus challenge. Our study also reveals that the ability of a gammaherpesvirus to persist in vivo despite potent pre-existing immunity is an obstacle to obtaining sterilizing immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a cancer affecting skin and internal organs for which the Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a necessary cause. Previous work has pursued KS diagnosis by quantifying KSHV DNA in skin biopsies using a point-of-care (POC) device which performs quantitative loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). These previous studies revealed that extracting DNA from patient biopsies was the rate limiting step in an otherwise rapid process. In this study, a simplified, POC-compatible alkaline DNA extraction, ColdSHOT, was optimized for 0.75 mm human skin punch biopsies. The optimized ColdSHOT extraction consistently produced 40,000+ copies of DNA per 5 µl reaction from 3 mg samples—a yield comparable to standard spin column extractions—within 1 h without significant equipment. The DNA yield was estimated sufficient for KSHV detection from KS-positive patient biopsies, and the LAMP assay was not affected by non-target tissue in the unpurified samples. Furthermore, the yields achieved via ColdSHOT were robust to sample storage in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or Tris-EDTA (TE) buffer prior to DNA extraction, and the DNA sample was stable after extraction. The results presented in this study indicate that the ColdSHOT DNA extraction could be implemented to simplify and accelerate the LAMP-based diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma using submillimeter biopsy samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma (PKS) is a rare vascular proliferative disease, caused by arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and chronic venous insufficiency. The lesions are characterized by purple or reddish-brownish papules, plaques, and nodules. Although benign, it is clinically similar to Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), a malignant disease, and must be differentiated by histopathological examination. We report a rare case of PKS with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Case presentation: An 83-year-old man with diabetes mellitus (DM) presented to a local dermatology department with a complaint of a right second toe ulcer and was, thereby, referred to our department due to arterial bleeding during skin biopsy to exclude malignant diseases. Although the pulsation of dorsalis pedis artery of the affected limb was palpable, the skin perfusion pressure was only 20 and 30 mmHg on the dorsum and planter surface, respectively, indicating severe ischemia of toe and forefoot. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed an AVM around the right second metatarsophalangeal joint and occlusion of the right dorsalis pedis artery in the middle, indicating CLTI in the background. Pathological findings of the skin biopsy found capillary blood vessel proliferation, hemosiderin deposition, and extravascular red blood cell leakage in the dermal layer, which could be found in KS. However, CD34 was normally stained in the vascular endothelium, and human herpesvirus-8 staining was negative, resulting in the pathological diagnosis of PKS, a proliferative vascular lesion associated with AVM. The ulcer was spontaneously epithelialized, but 2 years later the ulcer recurred and infection developed, necessitating treatment for abnormal blood flow. Transarterial embolization using N-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate for the AVM controlled abnormal perfusion once; however, the procedure exacerbated perfusion of the toe, resulting in foot ulcer progression. Forefoot amputation with surgical excision of AVM was performed, and thereby, wound healing was achieved. Conclusion: This is a rare case of PKS with CLTI complicated with AVM. As there is currently no established consensus on the treatment of PKS, the approach to treatment strategy should be tailored to the specific condition of each patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaposi sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is associated with around 1% of all human tumors, including the B cell malignancy primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), in which co-infection with the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) can almost always be found in malignant cells. Here, we demonstrate that KSHV/EBV co-infection of mice with reconstituted human immune systems (humanized mice) leads to IgM responses against both latent and lytic KSHV antigens, and expansion of central and effector memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Among these, KSHV/EBV dual-infection allows for the priming of CD8+ T cells that are specific for the lytic KSHV antigen K6 and able to kill KSHV/EBV infected B cells. This suggests that K6 may represent a vaccine antigen for the control of KSHV and its associated pathologies in high seroprevalence regions, such as Sub-Saharan Africa. Kaposi sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein Barr virus often co-infect hosts and some malignancies, such as primary effusion lymphoma, are typically arising from dual-infected cells. Here authors recapitulate dual infection in a humanized mouse model, and find that under these conditions, an efficient and specific CD8+ T cell response is mounted against the lytic KSHV antigen K6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection has been a global concern since its discovery in 1984 due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. Currently, over 75 million people worldwide have been infected with HIV, and 37 million individuals are living with the virus. Oral manifestations may serve as significant diagnostic and prognostic indicators for HIV/AIDS patients. This study was conducted to analyze research articles on oral manifestations in HIV/AIDS patient using visual mapping methods from 1987 to 2023. Articles were extracted from Scopus and screened using advanced search with keywords "Human Immunodeficiency Virus" and "oral manifestation line". The contributions made by authors, journals, institutions, and countries were described using Microsoft Excel 2010 and VOSviewer. A total of 1574 articles were collected between 1987 and 2023. Countries that published the most articles were United States, India and Brazil. The top three authors are Deborah Greenspan, John S Greenspan, and Lauren L Patton, from United States with number of articles respectively 43, 39, and 23. Oral Surgery and the Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine ranked as the top two, with 92 and 78 articles respectively. The central themes of the articles are oral candidiasis and oral hairy leukoplakia, followed by periodontal disease, Kaposi's sarcoma, and xerostomia. Oral manifestations in HIV/AIDS patients continue to be a persistent issue, particularly in countries with high prevalence, such as Africa and Asia. The limited coverage of certain topics in existing articles presents potential research opportunities for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TRIM32 is often aberrantly expressed in many types of cancers. Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is linked with several human malignancies, including Kaposi’s sarcoma and primary effusion lymphomas (PELs). Increasing evidence has demonstrated the crucial role of KSHV lytic replication in viral tumorigenesis. However, the role of TRIM32 in herpesvirus lytic replication remains unclear. Here, we reveal that the expression of TRIM32 is upregulated by KSHV in latency, and reactivation of KSHV lytic replication leads to the inhibition of TRIM32 in PEL cells. Strikingly, RTA, the master regulator of lytic replication, interacts with TRIM32 and dramatically promotes TRIM32 for degradation via the proteasome systems. Inhibition of TRIM32 induces cell apoptosis and in turn inhibits the proliferation and colony formation of KSHV-infected PEL cells and facilitates the reactivation of KSHV lytic replication and virion production. Thus, our data imply that the degradation of TRIM32 is vital for the lytic activation of KSHV and is a potential therapeutic target for KSHV-associated cancers. IMPORTANCE TRIM32 is associated with many cancers and viral infections; however, the role of TRIM32 in viral oncogenesis remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that the expression of TRIM32 is elevated by Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in latency, and RTA (the master regulator of lytic replication) induces TRIM32 for proteasome degradation upon viral lytic reactivation. This finding provides a potential therapeutic target for KSHV-associated cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus-8, is the causal agent of Kaposi sarcoma, a cancer that appears as tumors on the skin or mucosal surfaces, as well as primary effusion lymphoma and KSHV-associated multicentric Castleman disease, which are B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Effective prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against KSHV infection and its associated diseases are needed. To develop these strategies, it is crucial to identify and target viral glycoproteins involved in KSHV infection of host cells. Multiple KSHV glycoproteins expressed on the viral envelope are thought to play a pivotal role in viral infection, but the infection mechanisms involving these glycoproteins remain largely unknown. We investigated the role of two KSHV envelope glycoproteins, KSHV complement control protein (KCP) and K8.1, in viral infection in various cell types in vitro and in vivo. Using our newly generated anti-KCP antibodies, previously characterized anti-K8.1 antibodies, and recombinant mutant KSHV viruses lacking KCP, K8.1, or both, we demonstrated the presence of KCP and K8.1 on the surface of both virions and KSHV-infected cells. We showed that KSHV lacking KCP and/or K8.1 remained infectious in KSHV-susceptible cell lines, including epithelial, endothelial, and fibroblast, when compared to wild-type recombinant KSHV. We also provide the first evidence that KSHV lacking K8.1 or both KCP and K8.1 can infect human B cells in vivo in a humanized mouse model. Thus, these results suggest that neither KCP nor K8.1 is required for KSHV infection of various host cell types and that these glycoproteins do not determine KSHV cell tropism. IMPORTANCE Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic human gamma-herpesvirus associated with the endothelial malignancy Kaposi sarcoma and the lymphoproliferative disorders primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman disease. Determining how KSHV glycoproteins such as complement control protein (KCP) and K8.1 contribute to the establishment, persistence, and transmission of viral infection will be key for developing effective anti-viral vaccines and therapies to prevent and treat KSHV infection and KSHV-associated diseases. Using newly generated anti-KCP antibodies, previously characterized anti-K8.1 antibodies, and recombinant mutant KSHV viruses lacking KCP and/or K8.1, we show that KCP and K8.1 can be found on the surface of both virions and KSHV-infected cells. Furthermore, we show that KSHV lacking KCP and/or K8.1 remains infectious to diverse cell types susceptible to KSHV in vitro and to human B cells in vivo in a humanized mouse model, thus providing evidence that these viral glycoproteins are not required for KSHV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spectrum of HHV-8-associated disorders includes Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, multicentric Castleman's disease, and the recently described KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS), a life-threatening disorder complicating HIV infection. There have been no reports in the literature concerning non-immunosuppressed individuals affected with KICS. We report here a KICS-like illness occurring in two elderly Greek men without HIV infection or other recognizable cause of immunosuppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The use of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors is associated with potential side effects such as infusion reactions, anaphylaxis, development of infection, and cutaneous and paradoxical side effects. We evaluated the side effects observed with the use of these agents in patients with rheumatic diseases followed by TNF-α inhibitors in our clinic. Material and Methods: Patients admitted to our clinic in the last 5 years with a diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic disease and treated with TNF-α inhibitors were included in the study. Demographic data, diagnoses, treatment, and side effects were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0. Results: Forty-two patients with rheumatic disease receiving TNF-α inhibitors were analyzed. Infliximab had cutaneous side effects in 26 patients, including one infusion reaction and two cases of anaphylaxis. These side effects included allergic rash, psoriasis, bullous pemphigoid, dermatitis herpetiformis, erythema AB Igne, dermatitis, and small vessel vasculitis. Golimumab caused neutropenia in two patients. The other adverse events were cervical intraepithelial lesions and Kaposi's sarcoma in one patient with psoriatic arthritis. Infections were the most common adverse events and were reported in four patients. Conclusion: TNF-α inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of inflammatory rheumatic diseases. These agents have side effects, and it is important to be aware of and cautious about potential side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the Veterinary Record Case Reports, describes a case of cutaneous haemangiosarcoma with ovarian metastases in an aquarium-managed mirror carp. The study highlights the limited scientific literature on neoplasia in common carp and mirror carp, with only a few reported cases of different types of tumors. The case presented in this article is significant because cutaneous haemangiosarcoma has not been previously reported in carp. The study emphasizes the potential for metastasis in fish neoplasia and the importance of local invasion as a determinant feature of malignancy. The authors conclude that further research is needed to understand the behavior and predilections of haemangiosarcoma in carp species. [Extracted from the article]

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality in populations at risk in the southern United States. Utilizing biospecimens from the Houston site of the Young Men's Affiliate Project, 351 men who have sex with men had blood tested for KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) IgG. Seroprevalence, seroconversion between time points, and demographic and clinical correlates were measured. KSHV prevalence was 36.7% and incidence was 8.9 per 100 person-years. Furthermore, prevalence and incidence were higher among Black individuals, people living with HIV, and those with a history of syphilis. Further research on KSHV risk may improve health disparities in KS diagnosis and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During viral infection, the innate immune system utilizes a variety of specific intracellular sensors to detect virus-derived nucleic acids and activate a series of cellular signaling cascades that produce type I IFNs and proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic double-stranded DNA virus that has been associated with a variety of human malignancies, including Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, and multicentric Castleman disease. Infection with KSHV activates various DNA sensors, including cGAS, STING, IFI16, and DExD/H-box helicases. Activation of these DNA sensors induces the innate immune response to antagonize the virus. To counteract this, KSHV has developed countless strategies to evade or inhibit DNA sensing and facilitate its own infection. This review summarizes the major DNA-triggered sensing signaling pathways and details the current knowledge of DNA-sensing mechanisms involved in KSHV infection, as well as how KSHV evades antiviral signaling pathways to successfully establish latent infection and undergo lytic reactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blockade of the co-inhibitory receptor PD-1 enhances antitumor responses by boosting the function of antigen-specific T cells. Although rare, PD-1 blockade in patients with cancer can lead to exacerbation of infection-associated pathology. Here, we detail the case of a 38-year-old man who was enrolled in a clinical trial for assessment of the safety and activity of anti–PD-1 therapy for Kaposi sarcoma in people with HIV well-controlled on antiretroviral therapy. Less than a week after receiving the first dose of anti–PD-1 antibody (pembrolizumab), he presented with severe abdominal pain associated with sudden exacerbations of preexisting cytomegalovirus (CMV) enteritis and nontuberculous mycobacterial mesenteric lymphadenitis. Plasma biomarkers of gastrointestinal tract damage were highly elevated compared with healthy controls, consistent with HIV-associated loss of gut epithelial barrier integrity. Moreover, CMV-specific CD8 T cells expressed high levels of PD-1, and 7 days following PD-1 blockade, there was an increase in the frequency of activated CD38+ Ki67+ CMV-specific CD8 T cells. This case highlights the potential for PD-1 blockade to drive rapid exacerbations of inflammatory symptoms when administered to individuals harboring multiple unresolved infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) arises in the context of 4 epidemiologic-clinical settings: Classic, endemic, epidemic, and iatrogenic; the most serious types are endemic and epidemic, and visceral involvement occurs mostly in the latter. Several morphological variants of KS have been described, of which the anaplastic one is highly aggressive. We report the case of an anaplastic KS arising from the ascending colon in a 32-year-old human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive male patient with a 6-year history of multiple mucocutaneous KS. Anaplastic KS is most frequent in endemic and classic settings; there are ten cases of anaplastic KS reported in HIV-positive male patients. There is now strong evidence that KS is a clonal neoplasm characterized by chromosomal instability at the molecular level. According to the morphological spectrum and contemporary hypotheses of oncogenesis, conventional KS should be considered an incipient endothelial neoplasia, multiple or single, and anaplastic KS, the fully developed stage of the malignant neoplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses two cases of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in Russian patients who had undergone kidney transplantation and were receiving immunosuppressive therapy. KS is a vascular disease that affects various parts of the body, including the skin. The article highlights the importance of human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) as a potential trigger for KS, particularly in transplant recipients. The patients presented with characteristic skin lesions and were found to be HHV-8 positive. The article suggests that testing donors and recipients for HHV-8 before transplantation could help predict the risk and prognosis of KS. [Extracted from the article]

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) may derive from Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV)‐infected human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) that migrate to sites characterized by inflammation and angiogenesis, promoting the initiation of KS. By analyzing the RNA sequences of KSHV‐infected primary hMSCs, we have identified specific cell subpopulations, mechanisms, and conditions involved in the initial stages of KSHV‐induced transformation and reprogramming of hMSCs into KS progenitor cells. Under proangiogenic environmental conditions, KSHV can reprogram hMSCs to exhibit gene expression profiles more similar to KS tumors, activating cell cycle progression, cytokine signaling pathways, endothelial differentiation, and upregulating KSHV oncogenes indicating the involvement of KSHV infection in inducing the mesenchymal‐to‐endothelial (MEndT) transition of hMSCs. This finding underscores the significance of this condition in facilitating KSHV‐induced proliferation and reprogramming of hMSCs towards MEndT and closer to KS gene expression profiles, providing further evidence of these cell subpopulations as precursors of KS cells that thrive in a proangiogenic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8) has been classified by sequence analysis of open reading frame (ORF) K1, ORF K15, and variable sequence loci within the central constant region. The purpose of this study was to examine the molecular epidemiology of HHV‐8 in an Irish population. This retrospective study included 30 patients who had HHV‐8 DNA detected in plasma. Nested end‐point PCR was used to characterise four regions of the HHV‐8 genome, K1, T0.7 (K12), ORF 75, and K15. Sequencing data were obtained for 23 specimens from 19 patients. Phylogenetic analysis of ORF K1 demonstrated that subtypes A, B, C and F were present in 37%, 11%, 47% and 5%, respectively. For T0.7 and ORF 75, sequencing data were obtained for 12 patients. For T0.7, subtypes A/C, J, B, R and Q were present in 58%, 17%, 8%, 8%, and 8%, respectively. For ORF 75, subtypes A, B, C and D were present in 58%, 8%, 25%, and 8%, respectively. K15 sequences were determined for 13 patients. 69% had the P allele and 31% had the M allele. The data generated by this study demonstrate that a broad variety of HHV‐8 subtypes are represented in patients exhibiting HHV‐8‐related disease in Ireland, a low prevalence country. The predominance of C and A K1 subtypes was as expected for a Western European population. The 31% prevalence for K15 subtype M was higher than expected for a Western European population. This may represent the changing and evolving epidemiology in Ireland due to altered migration patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinically, most patients with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) are male, and several direct and indirect mechanisms may underlie this increased susceptibility in men, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), is considered to be the primary etiological agent responsible for KS. Thus, we propose the hypothesis that men are more susceptible to HHV-8 infection, leading to a higher incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma among males. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between gender and HHV-8 seropositivity in the general population. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using 6 online databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang. Studies published before March 15, 2023, were included. Results: In all, 33 articles including 41 studies were included in the meta-analysis. In the included adult population. men had a higher risk of HHV-8 infection than did women in adult populations from all over the world (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.15), but no differences were found in child population from all over the world (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.79–1.01). There was a significant difference in HHV-8 seroprevalence between men and women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) adult population (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.05–1.26). However, no significant differences were observed in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) child population (OR: 0.90, 95%CI 0.78–1.03). As for other continents, the results showed no significant difference, such as the Asian population (OR: 1.03, 95%CI: 0.92–1.16). or the European and American populations (OR 1.01, 95%CI 0.87–1.17). Conclusion: There was a slight gender disparity for HHV-8 infection in the adult population. Among the adult populations from SSA and globally, men were more likely to be infected with HHV-8 than were women. However, no statistical significance was observed in the child populations from SSA and globally. In the future, the inclusion of more standardized studies may strengthen the results of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemokines play a key role in cancer processes, with CXCL1 being a well-studied example. Due to the lack of a complete summary of CXCL1's role in cancer in the literature, in this study, we examine the significance of CXCL1 in various cancers such as bladder, glioblastoma, hemangioendothelioma, leukemias, Kaposi's sarcoma, lung, osteosarcoma, renal, and skin cancers (malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma), along with thyroid cancer. We focus on understanding how CXCL1 is involved in the cancer processes of these specific types of tumors. We look at how CXCL1 affects cancer cells, including their proliferation, migration, EMT, and metastasis. We also explore how CXCL1 influences other cells connected to tumors, like promoting angiogenesis, recruiting neutrophils, and affecting immune cell functions. Additionally, we discuss the clinical aspects by exploring how CXCL1 levels relate to cancer staging, lymph node metastasis, patient outcomes, chemoresistance, and radioresistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) are both linked to human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infection which most commonly affects people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Herein, we describe the case of a 57-year-old patient who has been admitted for fever, night sweats, weight loss, and diffuse lymphadenopathy with abdominal pain. HIV status was confirmed by a positive Western blot test. His initial CD4 cell count was equal to 270 cells/µL. A histological study of a peripheral lymph node concluded that KS is associated with MCD. These two conditions found in the same patient highlight the malignant potential of HHV-8, particularly in the case of HIV-induced immunodeficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Electrochemotherapy (ECT) should be considered a valid therapeutical strategy for the local control of widespread and advanced CKS cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions. The aim of our study is not only to validate and confirm that ECT represents the best therapeutical choice in terms of the risk–benefit ratio for the treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions in non-advanced forms of Kaposi's sarcoma, but also to demonstrate the valid use of ECT for the local control of locally advanced classic Kaposi's sarcoma (CKS). Among 19 patients treated, acceptable results have also been obtained in those patients with widespread CKS lesions due to the silent course of the KS classic variant and the excellent impact of the disease on quality of life. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is one of the newest therapeutic strategies employed as a medical procedure for skin neoplasms' treatment, especially for classic Kaposi's sarcoma (CKS). The aim of this study was to demonstrate ECT clinical response and the local control of CKS disease. The primary endpoint was to value the worth and efficacy of this local therapy in CKS skin lesions' treatment. In total, 19 CKS patients were enrolled, 14 males and 5 females with median age at diagnosis of 72. Complete response (CR) has been gained in 12 patients after first ECT attempt; meanwhile, 3 and 4 out of 19 patients obtained a partial response (PR), so they underwent a second and third ECT treatment, respectively. Clinical response was evaluated during the entire timeframe of the follow-up, which ranged between 3 months and 4 years with a median of 18 months. The control of CKS skin lesions still represents a challenge for surgeons and oncologists. Nevertheless, according to this and other authors' recent experiences, ECT could be considered the gold standard strategy for early-stage patients, but at the same time it could be considered as a valid option in controlling Kaposi's sarcoma locally advanced lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8)-associated diseases include Kaposi sarcoma (KS), multicentric Castleman disease (MCD), germinotropic lymphoproliferative disorder (GLPD), Kaposi sarcoma inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS), HHV8-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (HHV8+ DLBCL), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and extra-cavitary PEL (ECPEL). We report the case of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative male treated for cutaneous KS, who developed generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, pleural and abdominal effusions, renal insufficiency, and pancytopenia. The excised lymph node showed features of concomitant involvement by micro-KS and MCD, with aggregates of HHV8+, Epstein Barr virus (EBV)-negative, IgM+, and lambda+ plasmablasts reminiscent of microlymphoma. Molecular investigations revealed a somatically hypermutated (SHM) monoclonal rearrangement of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH), accounting for 4% of the B-cell population of the lymph node. Mutational analyses identified a pathogenic variant of KMT2D and variants of unknown significance in KMT2D, FOXO1, ARID1A, and KMT2A. The patient died shortly after surgery. The histological features (HHV8+, EBV−, IgM+, Lambda+, MCD+), integrated with the molecular findings (monoclonal IGH, SHM+, KMT2D mutated), supported the diagnosis of a monoclonal HHV8+ microlymphoma, with features intermediate between an incipient HHV8+ DLBCL and an EBV-negative ECPEL highlighting the challenges in the accurate classification of HHV8-driven lymphoid proliferations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) incidence has decreased since the initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), but it remains the most common cancer in people with HIV/AIDS (PWHA). PWHA with advanced immunosuppression who initiate antiretroviral therapy are susceptible to the occurrence of an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Case Presentation: This report covers the case of a 25-year-old male with AIDS-related KS who relapsed after Liposomal Doxorubicin, but recovered well after administration of nab-paclitaxel (Nab-PTX). Conclusion: This is a rare case in choosing Nab-PTX to treat relapsed AIDS-KS and get good feedback. We report the case to provide a possible solution to treat AIDS-KS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]