Title:HERVs Role in the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis or Prognosis of Aging
Diseases: A Systematic Review
Volume: 23
Issue: 7
Author(s): Paula Prieto-Oliveira*
Affiliation:
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University
of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Keywords:
HERVs, ERVs, endogenous retroviruses, aging, senescence, disease.
Abstract:
Introduction: HERVs are human endogenous retroviruses, which represent
about 8% of the human genome, and have various physiological functions, especially in
pregnancy, embryo development and placenta formation. However, their involvement in
diseases is not well defined. Some studies have observed changes in HERV expression
according to age.
Objective: Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to analyze their role in
pathogenesis and usage as diagnosis or prognosis biomarkers in aging disorders.
Methods: In this study, a search on the Pubmed interface was performed for papers
published from January 1953 to June 1st, 2021.
Results: 45 articles have been included, which matched the eligibility criteria and
evaluated the following diseases: breast cancer, prostate cancer, amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS), osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's disease, immuno-senescence, cognitive
impairment, cataract, glaucoma and hypertension.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the results suggested that HERVs play a role in the
pathogenesis and can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis or prognosis of aging
disorders.