Herpes Simplex Virus Type ۱ Infection Up-regulates miR-۲۲۱-۵P in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Herpes simplex virus type ۱ (HSV-۱) infection contributes to oral carcinoma, but its carcinogenic role has not been elucidated yet. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in carcinogenesis. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of HSV-۱ infection on the expression of miR-۲۹c, miR-۲۲۱-۵P, miR-۲۱-۵P, and miR-۹۶-۵P in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSSC). Methods: Twenty-five cases of OSCC and ۲۵ samples of normal oral mucosa were examined in this study. The SYBR real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was completed to confirm the presence of HSV-۱. The expressions of miR-۲۹c, miR-۲۲۱-۵P, miR-۲۱-۵P, and miR-۹۶-۵P were measured using RT-PCR. Results: The expression of miR-۲۲۱-۵P was significantly higher in OSCC with HSV-۱ infection compared to non-infected cases (P=۰.۰۰۷). The expressions of miR-۲۹c, miR-۲۱-۵P, and miR-۹۶-۵P were not significantly different between OSCCs with HSV-۱ infection and controls (P=۰.۲۷, P=۰.۶۶, and P=۰.۲۳, respectively). Conclusion: HSV-۱ infection had an up-regulation effect on miR-۲۲۱-۵P in OSCC. This finding proposes a novel mechanism for HSV-۱ infection in the development of OSCC.