EBV-encoded microRNAs profile evaluation in pediatric liver transplant recipients

Background Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infects 90% of the world population, commonly causing self-limiting infectious mononucleosis or rarely inciting a range of malignancies. EBV microRNAs (miRNAs) were discovered by sequencing libraries of small RNAs generated from several EBV-positive cell lines. Little is known about their roles, but their high stability and easy quantification make these molecules potential biomarkers. Objectives In this study a stem-loop MGB real-time RT-PCR has been used to detect and quantify miR-BART2-5p, miR-BART15 and miR-BART22 EBV miRNAs levels. Study designs The profiles of EBV miRNAs levels were evaluated in 51 serum samples of 37 pediatric liver transplant patients subdivided in 3 study groups: EBV seronegative, EBV seropositive and PCR negative, EBV seropositive and PCR positive. Results miR-BART22 serum levels in patients with positive EBV PCR were significantly higher than those in patients with negative EBV PCR (p = 0.0005). On the contrary, miR-BART2-5p and miR-BART15 did not exhibit significant difference in positive and negative EBV PCR patients (p = 0.5511 and p = 0.3523, respectively). Conclusion This study described a method for quantitative detection of miR-BART 22, miR-BART2-5p and miR-BART15 EBV miRNAs in liver transplanted patients, and suggests the use of miR-BART22 as a potential biomarker for EBV reactivation.