Profile of expression of human endogenous retroviruses and their interplay on inflammatory status in patients with chronic venous disease

Author(s):Show less -

Silva, Kevin Cezar Nascimento ; Ballerini, Ana Paula Augusto da Cruz ; Flose, Bruna Reimberg ; Silva, Michelly Damasceno ; Pimenta, Celia Aparecida Marques ; Shio, Marina Tiemi ; do Amaral, Jonatas Bussador ; Arruda, Lia Barbara ; Bachi, Andre Luis Lacerda ; Franca, Carolina Nunes ; Nali, Luiz Henrique da Silva

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: HUMAN GENE; v. 44, p. 6-pg., 2025-04-28.

Abstract

Introduction Chronic Venous Disease (CVD) encompass several venous disorders characterized by chronic inflammatory state leading to sever impairment of blood return. Although Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) have shown a role in autoimmune diseases and inflammatory responses, its impact on CVD is poorly understood. Here we described the level of HERVs expression and the systemic inflammatory status in CVD patients. Methods A total of 85 volunteers (CVD n = 39, control group n = 46) were enrolled in the study. Real Time PCR was performed to determine the expression of HERV-W-env and HERV-K-gag using GAPDH as housekeeping gene to infer relative quantification. Serum levels of cytokines IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-alpha were quantified using ELISA. Results HERV-W-env expression in CVD patients was 6-fold higher than the control group (p < 0.01), whereas HERV-K-gag was not expressed in CVD patients. CVD patients presented higher serum concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-alpha than control group (p < 0.01). Positive correlation was observed between IL-10 and both TNF-alpha and IL-6 (p < 0,01) and HERV-W and TNF-alpha/IL10 ratio in CVD patients. Conclusions Our findings indicate high transcriptional activity of HERV-W in CVD, which suggest a possible involvement of HERV-W in the pathogenesis of CVD. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/07567-5 - The role of the expression of endogenous human retroviruses in the inflammatory response associated with schizophrenia
• Grantee: Michelly Damasceno da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 23/08773-0 - Human retrovirus expression in health and illness conditions: a possible role as a mediator of the inflammatory and immunopathogenic conditions
• Grantee: Luiz Henrique da Silva Nali
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants