Attenuation of the natural course of herpes simplex virus infection in human oral epithelial cell cultures by smokeless tobacco extracts suggests the possibility of a synergistic mechanism for carcinogenesis

Valerie A. Murrah, Eric P. Gilchrist, Mary Pat Moyer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

High prevalence of both tobacco use and latent herpes simplex virus type 1 suggests the opportunity for synergism between these agents as cocarcinogens. In this study, postprimary human oral epithelial cell cultures were infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 pretreated with 2% extracts of either loose leaf, moist, or dry snuffs. Cultures were subsequently periodically exposed to the tobacco. Parameters measured included percentage of cultures undergoing active virus production, onset and time course of cytopathic effects, and concentration of virus released into the media over time. Results showed inhibition of both herpes simplex virus-mediated cell lysis and viral replication by tobacco extracts. This is the first time that these phenomena have been demonstrated in normal human oral epithelial cells. The work described here provides evidence to support a hypothesis that herpes simplex virus type 1 and smokeless tobacco may act synergistically in oral carcinogenesis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)63-69
Number of pages7
JournalOral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology, oral radiology, and endodontics
Volume81
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1996
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Oral Surgery
  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • General Dentistry

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