Study On The Relationship Between EB Virus Latency Gene And Type Ⅰ Interferon - Inducible Gene In Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective By observing the gene expressions in latent infection of Epstein-Barr(EB), virus nuclear antigen 1(EBNA1),latent membrane protein 1,Epstein–Barr virus-encoded small RNAs(EBER), and type I interferon stimulated genes(ISGs) in systemic lupus erythematous(SLE) patients and healthy controls, try to figure out if the EB virus latent genes are involved in the development of SLE via type I interferon pathway.Subjects and Methods A total of 68 patients with SLE and 40 healthy controls were enrolled. Real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was used to test the m RNA levels of EBNA-1、EBER、LMP-1 and type I interferon induced gene OASL, MX1, ISG15 and LY6 E in the peripheral blood lymphocytes. Statistical analysis was performed using U test, variance analysis, Chi square test and Spearman correlation test.Results 1. The m RNA level of EBNA1 and LMP-1 in SLE patients was higher than that in healthy controls(U=1681,U=213, P<0.05, respectively). There is no difference between the genes of incubation period in disease activity and nephritis group. 2. The m RNA levels of OASL, ISG15 and LY6 E in SLE patients were higher than that in healthy controls(U=377.5~725.0,P<0.05, respectively). The m RNA levels of ISG15 in nephritis group was higher than the controls(U=387.5,P<0.05). 3. The m RNA level of EBNA-1 is positive related to MX1、LY6E(r=0.24、0.34, P<0.05, respectively); The m RNA level of EBER is positive related to ISG15(r=0.27, P<0.05, respectively);The m RNA level of LMP-1 is positive to MX1、OASL、ISG15(r=0.053、0.219、0.003, P<0.05, respectively).Conclusion: 1. The EB virus latent infection is probably one of the factors which play role in the pathogenesis of SLE. 2. The level of ISGs may be involved in the development of SLE. 3. EBV latent genes are probably associated with the pathogenesis of SLE though the activation of ISGs.