Medical consequences of chromosomal integration of human herpesvirus 6

Status Completed
Start date 2012
Location Quebec
Researcher Flamand, Louis
Associated institution CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre and Université Laval
Summary

This project aimed to investigate the medical effects of chromosomal integration of human herpesvirus 6 (ciHHV‑6), a condition found in about 1% of the population and inherited from parent to child. Using DNA samples and health data from CARTaGENE, researchers screened individuals to identify ciHHV‑6 carriers, determined the chromosomal sites where the virus is integrated, and examined their medical history. The study identified more than one hundred carriers and showed that ciHHV‑6+ individuals have roughly three times the risk of developing angina pectoris compared with non‑carriers, with a particularly strong effect observed in women. These findings suggest that viral integration may influence cardiovascular health, possibly through mechanisms related to immunity or chromosomal stability. The project opens the door to further research on the physiological impact of ciHHV‑6 and its potential role as a risk factor for certain diseases.

Themes
  • Chronic diseases
  • Genetics and genomics
Data types
  • Biochemical and hematological data
  • Biological samples
  • Physical and cognitive measures
  • Questionnaire data

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