Expression of Beclin-1 Gene in Patients with Genital Warts and Its Clinical Significance in Suez Canal University Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Genital warts are a common infectious sexually transmitted disease. Autophagy plays an essential role in eliminating  pathogenic viruses and it is regulated by autophagy-related genes (ATGs). Beclin-1 gene is known to be one of ATGs, mediates  autophagosome formation. Many viruses have evolved strategies to interfere with the formation or maturation of autophagosomes.  There are lack of studies evaluating serum and tissue expression of Beclin-1 gene in genital HPV (human papilloma virus) infections and  their correlation with the disease outcome.

Aim: To measure tissue expression of Beclin-1gene and its protein level in plasma in patients  with genital warts.

Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Dermatology Outpatient Clinic and Andrology, Infertility and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Outpatient Clinic of the Suez Canal University Hospitals, Ismailia. The study included two  groups; 30 patients with genital wart and 30 healthy controls. Beclin-1 gene expression in plasma and in tissue biopsies of 30 patients  with genital warts was measured using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Beclin-1 protein level in plasma of both groups was  measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: Both Beclin-1 gene expression in plasma and Beclin-1 protein  level in plasma and their tissue expression were significantly decreased in genital warts patients compared to controls.  

Conclusion: Beclin-1 as an essential ATG with its critical role in the formation of autophagosome, which may affect cellular defense and  immune response to pathogens, provides a promising therapeutic target for new treatment modalities of infectious diseases.