No evidence of mammary tumor virus env gene-like sequences among Iranian women with breast cancer

Intervirology. 2014;57(6):353-6. doi: 10.1159/000366280. Epub 2014 Oct 15.

Abstract

Objective: The mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is the well-established etiological agent of mammary tumors in mice. A series of studies have implicated that a human murine mammary tumor virus-like virus occurs in human breast cancer, but it is unclear whether it has any causal role.

Methods: The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of MMTV env gene-like sequences in a group of Iranian women with or without breast cancer. A total of 65 breast cancer and 65 noncancerous breast specimens from the Department of Pathology of Tabriz University in East Azerbaijan, Iran, were analyzed by nested PCR.

Results: All breast cancer and benign breast samples were negative for MMTV env gene-like DNA.

Conclusion: These results indicate that the MMTV env gene-like virus may not play a significant role in the etiology of breast cancer among Iranian women.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms / virology*
  • Female
  • Genes, env*
  • Humans
  • Iran
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Mammary Tumor Virus, Mouse / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction