BackgroundPromoter methylation of MGMT and C13ORF18 has been confirmed as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of MGMT and C13ORF18 promoter methylation for triage of cytology screening samples and explore the potential mechanism.

MethodsMethylation-sensitive high-resolution melting was used to detect promoter methylation of MGMT and C13ORF18 in 124 cervical samples. High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) was detected by the Digene Hybrid Capture 2. Gene methylation frequencies in relation to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) were analyzed. Frequencies were compared by Chi-square tests. The expression of gene biomarkers and methylation regulators was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot.

ResultsFor triage of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), gene methylation increased specificity from 4.0% of HR-HPV detection to 30.8% of MGMT (χ = 9.873, P = 0.002) and to 50.0% of C13ORF18 (χ = 21.814, P = 0.001). For triage of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, HR-HPV detection had higher positive predictive value of 54.8%. Either MGMT or C13ORF18 methylation combined with HR-HPV increased the negative predictive value to 100.0% (χ = 9.757, P = 0.002). There was no relationship between MGMT and C13ORF18 expression and DNA methylation (χ = 0.776, P = 0.379 and χ = 1.411, P = 0.235, respectively). MBD2 protein level in cervical cancer was relatively lower than normal cervical tissue (t = 4.11, P = 0.006).

ConclusionsHR-HPV detection is the cornerstone for triage setting of CIN. Promoter methylation of MGMT and C13ORF18 plays a limited role in triage of LSIL. Promoter methylation of both genes may not be the causes of gene silence.

Adult ; Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia ; genetics ; pathology ; Chi-Square Distribution ; DNA Methylation ; genetics ; DNA Modification Methylases ; genetics ; DNA Repair Enzymes ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions of the Cervix ; genetics ; pathology ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; genetics ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Young Adult

Although the traditional chemotherapy has achieved a certain effect for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but there are still limitations in terms of improving the rate of complete remission and overcome relapse after remission. The further study found that many cytogenetic molecular and epigenetic abnormalities occurred during the progression of AML, such as abnormal expression of cell surface molecules, mutation, gene aberrant methylation and so on. The drugs targeted at these changes can improve the prognosis for patients, and provide a new way for treating patients with AML. At present, the mostly targeted drugs include monoclonal antibodies CD33-Ab, tyrosine kinase inhibitor, inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases inhibitors and so on. In this review, the progress of targeted therapy in AML treatment is summarized.
Antibodies, Monoclonal ; therapeutic use ; DNA Modification Methylases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; drug therapy ; Mutation ; Prognosis ; Protein Kinase Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Remission Induction

The occurrence and development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is not only related to gene mutations, but also influenced by abnormal epigenetic regulation, in which DNA methylation is one of the most important mechanisms. Abnormal DNA methylation may lead to the activation of oncogene and the inactivation of tumor suppressor gene, resulting in the occurrence of leukemia. The mutations of DNA methylation enzymes associated with AML may have certain characteristics. The AML with recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities is also related to abnormal methylation. Some fusion genes can alter DNA methylation status to participate in the pathogenesis of leukemia. In addition, chemotherapy drug resistance in patients with AML is associated with the change of gene methylation status. Considering the reversibility of the epigenetic modification, targeted methylation therapy has become a hotspot of AML research.
DNA Methylation ; drug effects ; genetics ; physiology ; DNA Modification Methylases ; genetics ; physiology ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; genetics ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; genetics ; physiology ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; etiology ; genetics ; pathology ; Mutation ; genetics

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the interaction between polymorphism of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene G11367C in 3' untranslated region (UTR) and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB (IκB)-α 
Hae III in acute pancreatitis (AP) and the degree of severity.
 METHODS: A total of 450 patients with confirmed AP (AP group), who came from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College from May 2013 to June 2015, were divided into a mild AP subgroup (MAP subgroup), a moderately severe AP (MSAP subgroup), and a severe acute AP (SAP subgroup) (n=150 in each group). One hundred fifty healthy persons were served as a control group. There was no significant difference in age, gender, ethnicity and birthplace among all groups. The genetic polymorphisms of TLR4 gene G11367C in 3' untranslated region and IκB-α Hae III were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Eligible participants were personally interviewed by a questionnaire. Unconditional logistic regression model and single factor analysis were performed to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of G11367C and IκB-α Hae III polymorphisms, respectively. The interaction of nucleotide polymorphisms was analyzed.
 RESULTS: The frequencies of G11367C (GC), IκB-α Hae III (AG) and IκB-α Hae III (GG) were 69.56%, 33.78% and 36.22% in the AP group; 49.33%, 24.67% and 26.00% in the MAP subgroup; 70.67%, 34.67% and 36.67% in the MSAP subgroup; 88.67%, 42.00% and 46.00% in the SAP subgroup and 26.67%, 14.00% and 14.67% in the control group, respectively. There was significant difference in the frequencies betweenc the AP group and the control group, or among each AP subgroup (all P<0.01). The risk of AP was significantly increased in the subjects with G11367C (GC) genotype (ORAP=6.2828, ORMAP=2.6776, ORMSAP=6.6250, ORSAP=21.5147), which was also increased in those with IκB-α Hae III (AG) genotype (ORAP=5.7369, ORMAP=2.5277, ORMSAP=6.1824, ORSAP=17.8572) and in those with IκB-α Hae III (GG) genotype (ORAP=5.8724, ORMAP=2.5902, ORMSAP=6.4027, ORSAP=18.9022). The combined analysis of the polymorphisms showed that the percentage of G11367C (GC)/ IκB-α Hae III (GG) in the AP group, the MAP subgroup, the MSAP subgroup, the SAP subgroup and the control groups was 26.44%, 12.67%, 26.00%, 40.67% and 4.00%, respectively, with significant difference in the frequency among all groups (all P<0.01). The people who carried with Pro12Ala (AA)/Pro198Leu (LL) had a high risk of AP (ORAP=30.1314, ORMAP=6.7612, ORMSAP=39.5000, ORSAP=401.5833), and the statistical analysis suggested a positive interaction between Pro12Ala (AA) and Pro198Leu (LL) in increasing the risk of AP (All γ>1). Similarly, there were also positive interactions in the pathogenesis of AP between G11367C (GC) and IκB-α Hae III (AG) (All γ>1). 
 CONCLUSION These carriers of G11367C(GC), IκB-α Hae III(AG) and IκB-α Hae III (GG) genotypes may have a high risk of AP occurency, and there are significant interactions between genetic polymorphisms of G11367C and IκB-α Hae III, which increaes the risk of the occurrence and development of AP.
3' Untranslated Regions ; Acute Disease ; Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific ; Ethnic Groups ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; I-kappa B Kinase ; Logistic Models ; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha ; Odds Ratio ; Pancreatitis ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Toll-Like Receptor 4

OBJECTIVETo assess the association of vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) Apa I, Bsm I genotypes and allele frequencies and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among elderly ethnic Uygurs from Xinjiang, China.

METHODSThe polymorphisms of the VDR genotypes (Apa I and Bsm I) were analyzed by the SNaPshot method in 124 MCI patients and 124 controls.

RESULTSFactors which can increase the risk for MCI have included the A allele of the Apa I polymorphism [OR=1.62, 95%CI(1.13-2.31)] and the AA genotype [OR=3.49, 95% CI(1.57-7.74)], the T allele of the Bsm I polymorphism [OR=1.94, 95%CI(1.24-3.05)], higher triglyceride and systolic blood pressure levels.

CONCLUSIONPolymorphisms of the VDR gene including the A allele and AA genotype of Apa I, and the T allele of Bsm I are probably associated with MCI among elderly ethnic Uygurs, and so are higher levels of triglyceride and systolic blood pressure.

Aged ; Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Binding Sites ; genetics ; Blood Pressure ; China ; Cognitive Dysfunction ; ethnology ; genetics ; psychology ; Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific ; metabolism ; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ; Ethnic Groups ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; ethnology ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Receptors, Calcitriol ; genetics ; Triglycerides ; blood

DNA Methylation ; DNA Modification Methylases ; genetics ; DNA Repair Enzymes ; genetics ; Humans ; Neoplasms ; genetics ; Prognosis ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo study the correlation between IDH1 mutation, MGMT expression, clinicopathologic features and post-radiotherapy prognosis in patients with astrocytoma.

METHODSDetection of IDH1 mutation and MGMT expression was carried out in 48 cases of astrocytoma (WHO grade II to III) by EnVision method with immunohistochemical staining. Follow-up data, including treatment response and overall survival time, were analyzed.

RESULTSThe rates of IDH1 mutation and MGMT expression in astrocytomas were 62.7% (30/48) and 47.9% (23/48), respectively. There was a negative correlation between IDH1 mutation and MGMT expression (r = -0.641, P < 0.01). The age of patients with IDH1 mutation was younger at disease onset. The IDH1 mutation rate in patients with WHO grade II astrocytoma was higher than that in patients with WHO grade III tumor (P < 0.05). The age at onset was an independent factor affecting the expression of mutant IDH1. After radiotherapy, patients with IDH1 mutation+/MGMT- tumor carried a longer overall survival time than patients with IDH1 mutation-/MGMT+ tumor (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThere is a correlation between IDH1 mutation and MGMT expression in WHO grade II to III astrocytoma. Age at onset is an independent factor affecting the expression of mutant IDH1. Tumors with IDH1+/MGMT- pattern show better response to radiotherapy than tumors with IDH1-/MGMT+ pattern. Detection of IDH1 mutation and MGMT protein expression can provide some guidance in choice of treatment modalities in patients with astrocytoma.

Adult ; Age Factors ; Age of Onset ; Aged ; Astrocytoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; mortality ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Brain Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; mortality ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; DNA Modification Methylases ; metabolism ; DNA Repair Enzymes ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Isocitrate Dehydrogenase ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutant Proteins ; genetics ; Mutation ; Prognosis ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at interleukin 6 (IL-6)-174 and TNF-β NcoI in Chinese Han children in Guangzhou, China and to provide basic information for study on the association between IL-6-174 and TNF-β NcoI polymorphisms and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).

METHODSAllele-specific polymerase chain reaction and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism were used to determine the SNPs at IL-6-174 and TNF-β NcoI in 481 children selected from the Han population in Guangzhou in 2012. Genotype analysis and comparison with other populations were made with reference to relevant literature.

RESULTSChinese Han children in Guangzhou had only GG genotype at IL-6-174, and the SNP at this locus was rare or not seen in the Han population in Guangzhou. At TNF-β NcoI, the frequencies of TNF-β 1*1, TNF-β 1*2, and TNF-β 2*2 genotypes were 24.7%, 49.7%, and 25.6%, respectively. The sample distribution was in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The TNF-β 1 allele frequency was significantly higher in Guangzhou Han population than in European and American white population (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSTNF-β NcoI SNP is prevalent in the Han population in Guangzhou, and the distribution of alleles is significantly different from that in the white population. The sample from an Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium population can be further used for study on the association between TNF-β NcoI SNP and SIRS in Chinese Han children in Guangzhou. IL-6-174 SNP is rare or not seen in the Han population in Guangzhou, so SNP at this locus cannot be selected for disease association analysis.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Child, Preschool ; China ; ethnology ; Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific ; metabolism ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; genetics ; Lymphotoxin-alpha ; genetics ; Male ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome ; genetics

Postoperative external beam radiotherapy was considered the standard adjuvant treatment for patients with glioblastoma multiforme until the advent of using the drug temozolomide (TMZ) in addition to radiotherapy. High-dose volume should be focal, minimizing whole brain irradiation. Modern imaging, using several magnetic resonance sequences, has improved the planning target volume definition. The total dose delivered should be in the range of 60 Gy in fraction sizes of 1.8-2.0 Gy. Currently, TMZ concomitant and adjuvant to radiotherapy has become the standard of care for glioblastoma multiforme patients. Radiotherapy dose-intensification and radiosensitizer approaches have not improved the outcome. In spite of the lack of high quality evidence, stereotactic radiotherapy can be considered for a selected group of patients. For elderly patients, data suggest that the same survival benefit can be achieved with similar morbidity using a shorter course of radiotherapy (hypofractionation). Elderly patients with tumors that exhibit methylation of the O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase promoter can benefit from TMZ alone.
Aged ; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating ; therapeutic use ; Brain Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; therapy ; Chemoradiotherapy ; DNA Methylation ; DNA Modification Methylases ; genetics ; metabolism ; DNA Repair Enzymes ; genetics ; metabolism ; Dacarbazine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Dose Fractionation ; Glioblastoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; therapy ; Humans ; Radiosurgery ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism

The current World Health Organization classification system of primary brain tumors is solely based on morphologic criteria. However, there is accumulating evidence that tumors with similar histology have distinct molecular signatures that significantly impact treatment response and survival. Recent practice-changing clinical trials have defined a role for routine assessment of O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation in glioblastoma patients, especially in the elderly, and 1p and 19q codeletions in patients with anaplastic glial tumors. Recently discovered molecular alterations including mutations in IDH-1/2, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and BRAF also have the potential to become targets for future drug development. This article aims to summarize current knowledge on the molecular biology of high-grade gliomas relevant to daily practice.
Aged ; Brain Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Chromosome Deletion ; DNA Methylation ; DNA Modification Methylases ; genetics ; metabolism ; DNA Repair Enzymes ; genetics ; metabolism ; Glioblastoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Glioma ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Isocitrate Dehydrogenase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Grading ; Oligodendroglioma ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Point Mutation ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; metabolism ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism