Expression of Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen (EBNA) in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Population of Patients in Isfahan City, Iran

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most prevalent malignancy of thyroid gland and is significantly lymphtropic. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection may play an important role in the development of this malignancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen (EBNA), as a probable risk factor, in papillary thyroid carcinoma in a population of patients in Isfahan city, Iran, in the year 2015.
This study was performed on 43 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma confirmed by pathologist. Using qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue specimens, EBNA expression in tumor tissue was investigated. Information on age, sex, tumor size, lymph node status and metastasis were collected from the patient's medical records. The collected data were analyzed using independent t and chi-square tests via SPSS software.
Findings: EBNA antigen expression was detected in 9 cases (20.9%). The relationship between different factors and EBNA antigen expression showed a significant relationship between patient's age and gene expression (P 0.05).
According to the results of this study, Epstein-Barr virus may have a role in pathogenesis of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Further studies with control group are necessary to confirm the issue.