Effects of dietary intake and genetic factors on hypermethyiation of the hMLH1 gene promoter in gastric cancer

AIM: Hypermethylation of the promoter of the hMLH1 gene, which plays an important role in mismatch repair during DNA replication, occurs in more than 30% of human gastric cancer tissues. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of environmental factors, genetic polymorphisms of major metabolic enzymes, and microsatellite instability on hypermethylation of the promoter of the hMLH1 gene in gastric cancer. METHODS: Data were obtained from a hospital-based, case-control study of gastric cancer. One hundred and ten gastric cancer patients and 220 age- and sex-matched control patients completed a structured questionnaire regarding their exposure to environmental risk factors. Hypermethylation of the hMLH1 gene promoter, polymorphisms of the GSTM1, GSTT1, CYP1A1, CYP2E1, ALDH2 and L-myc genes, microsatellite instability and mutations of p53 and Ki-ras genes were investigated. RESULTS: Both smoking and alcohol consumption were associated with a higher risk of gastric cancer with hypermethylation of the hMLH1 gene promoter. High intake of vegetables and low intake of potato were associated with increased likelihood of gastric cancer with hypermethylation of the hMLH1 gene promoter. Genetic polymorphisms of the GSTM1, GSTT1, CYP1A1, CYP2E1, ALDH2, and L-myc genes were not significantly associated with the risk of gastric cancer either with or without hypermethylation in the promoter of the hMLH1 gene. Hypermethylation of the hMLH1 promoter was significantly associated with microsatellite instability (MSI): 10 of the 14 (71.4%) MSI-positive tumors showed hypermethylation, whereas 28 of 94 (29.8%) the MSI-negative tumors were hypermethylated at the hMLH1 promoter region, Hypermethylation of the hMLH1 gene promoter was significantly inversely correlated with mutation of the p53 gene. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption may influence the development of hMLH1-positive gastric cancer. Most dietary factors and polymorphisms of GSTM1, GSTT1, CYP1A1, CYP2E1, ALDH2, and L-myc genes are not independent risk factors for gastric cancer with hypermethylation of the hMLH1 promoter. These data also suggest that there could be two or more different molecular pathways in the development of gastric cancer, perhaps involving tumor suppression mechanisms or DNA mismatch repair.     

Kimchi and soybean pastes are risk factors of gastric cancer

AIM: This case-control study investigated the effects of kimchi,soybean paste, fresh vegetables,nonfermented alliums, nonfermented seafood, nonfermented soybean foods, and the genetic polymorphisms of some metabolic enzymes on the risk of gastric cancer in Koreans. METHODS: We studied 421 gastric cancer patients and 632 age- and sex-matched controls. Subjects completed a structured questionnaire regarding their food intake pattern. Polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), glutathione S-transferase mu 1 (GSTM1),glutathione S-transferase theta 1 (65777) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) were investigated. RESULTS: A decreased risk of gastric cancer was noted among people with high consumption of nonfermented alliums and nonfermented seafood. On the other hand, consumption of kimchi, and soybean pastes was associated with increased risk of gastric cancer. Individuals with the CYP1A1 Ile/Val or Val/Val genotype showed a significantly increased risk for gastric cancer. Increased intake of kimchi or soybean pastes was a significant risk factor for the CYP1A1 lie/lie, the CYP2E1 c1/c1,the GSTM1 non-null, the GSTT1 non-null, or the ALDH2 *1/*1 genotype.In addition, eating soybean pastes was associated with the increased risk of gastric cancer in individuals with the GSTM1 null type. Nonfermented alliums were significant in individuals with the CYP1A1 lie/lie, the CYP2E1 c1/c2 or c2/c2, the GSTT1 null, the GSTT1 non-null, or the ALDH2 *1/*2 or *2/*2 genotype,nonfermented seafood was those with the CYP1A1 lie/lie,the CYP2E1 c1/c1, the ALDH2 *1/*1 genotype or any type of GSTM1 or GSTT1. In homogeneity tests, the odds ratios of eating kimchi for gastric cancer according to the GSTM1 or 65777 genotype were not homogeneous. CONCLUSION: Kimchi, soybean pastes, and the CYP1A1 Ile/Val or Val/Val are risk factors,and nonfermented seafood and alliums are protective factors against gastric cancer in Koreans. Salt or some chemicals contained in kimchi and soybean pastes, which are increased by fermentation,would play important roles in the carcinogenesis of stomach cancer.Polymorphisms of the CYP1A1, CYP2E1, GSTM1, GSTT1, and ALDH2 genes could modify the effects of some environmental factors on the risk of gastric cancer.     

GSTT1, GSTM1 and CYP2E1 genetic polymorphisms in gastric cancer and chronic gastritis in a Brazilian population

MIM:To test the hypothesis that,in the Southeastern Brazilian population,the GSTT1,GSTM1 and CYP2E1 polymorphisms and putative risk factors are associated with an increased risk for gastric cancer.METHODS:We conducted a study on 100 cases of gastric cancer(GC),100 cases of chronic gastritis(CG),and 150 controls(C).Deletion of the GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes was assessed by multiplex PCR.CYP2E1/PsА genotyping was performed using a PCR-RFLP assay.RESULTS:No relationship between GSTT1/GSTM1 deletion and the c1/c2 genotype of CYP2E1 was observed among the three groups.However,a significant difference between CG and C was observde,due to a greater number of GSTT1/GSTM1 positive genotypes in the CG group.The GSTT1 null genotype occurred more frequently in Negroid subjicts,and the GSTM1 null genotype was observed mainly in individuals with chronic gastritis infected with H pylori.CONCLUSION:Our findings indecate that there is no obvious relationship between the GSTT1,GSTM1 and CYP2E1 polymorphisms and gastric cancer.     

Alterations of tumor suppressor and tumor-related genes in the development and progression of gastric cancer

The development and progression of gastric cancer involves a number of genetic and epigenetic alterations of tumor suppressor and tumor-related genes. The majority of differentiated carcinomas arise from intestinal metaplastic mucosa and exhibit structurally altered tumor suppressor genes, typified by p53, which is inactivated via the classic two-hit mechanism, i.e. loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and mutation of the remaining allele. LOH at certain chromosomal loci accumulates during tumor progression. Approximately 20% of differentiated carcinomas show evidence of mutator pathway tumorigenesis due to hMLH1 inactivation via hypermethylation of promoter CpG islands, and exhibit high-frequency microsatellite instability. In contrast, undifferentiated carcinomas rarely exhibit structurally altered tumor suppressor genes. For instance, while methylation of E-cadherin is often observed in undifferentiated carcinomas, mutation of this gene is generally associated with the progression from differentiated to undifferentiated carcinomas. Hypermethylation of tumor suppressor and tumor-related genes, including APC, CHFR, DAP-kinase, DCC, E-cadherin, GSTP1, hMLH1, p16, PTEN, RASSF1A, RUNX3, and TSLC1, can be detected in both differentiated and undifferentiated carcinomas at varying frequencies. However, the significance of the hypermethylation varies according to the analyzed genomic region, and hypermethylation of these genes can also be present in non-neoplastic gastric epithelia. Promoter demethylation of specific genes, such as MAGE and synuclein y, can occur during the progressive stages of both histological types, and is associated with patient prognosis. Thus, while the molecular pathways of gastric carcinogenesis are dependent on histological background, specific genetic alterations can still be used for risk assessment, diagnosis, and prognosis.     

Incidence and functional consequences of hMLH1 promoter hypermethylation in colorectal carcinoma

Inactivation of the genes involved in DNA mismatch repair is associated with microsatellite instability (MSI) in colorectal cancer. We report that hypermethylation of the 5′ CpG island of hMLH1 is found in the majority of sporadic primary colorectal cancers with MSI, and that this methylation was often, but not invariably, associated with loss of hMLH1 protein expression. Such methylation also occurred, but was less common, in MSI− tumors, as well as in MSI+ tumors with known mutations of a mismatch repair gene (MMR). No hypermethylation of hMSH2 was found. Hypermethylation of colorectal cancer cell lines with MSI also was frequently observed, and in such cases, reversal of the methylation with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine not only resulted in reexpression of hMLH1 protein, but also in restoration of the MMR capacity in MMR-deficient cell lines. Our results suggest that microsatellite instability in sporadic colorectal cancer often results from epigenetic inactivation of hMLH1 in association with DNA methylation.     

Relationship of anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury and genetic polymorphisms in CYP2E1 and GST

SettingTreatment of tuberculosis (TB) can result in Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI) since hepatotoxic metabolites are formed during the biotransformation of isoniazid (INH).DILI can be related to the genetic profile of the patient. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CYP2E1 gene and GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletion polymorphisms have been associated with adverse events caused by INH.ObjectiveTo characterize the genetic polymorphisms of CYP2E1, GSTT1 and GSTM1 in TB carriers.DesignThis is an observational prospective cohort study of 45 patients undergoing treatment of TB. PCR-RFLP and multiplex-PCR were used.ResultsThe distribution of genotypic frequency in the promoter region (CYP2E1 gene) was: 98% wild genotype and 2% heterozygous. Intronic region: 78% wild genotype; 20% heterozygous and 2% homozygous variant. GST enzyme genes: 24% Null GSTM1 and 22% Null GSTT1. Patients with any variant allele of the CYP2E1 gene were grouped in the statistical analyses.ConclusionPatients with the CYP2E1 variant genotype or Null GSTT1 showed higher risk of presenting DILI (p = 0.09; OR: 4.57; 95% CI: 0.75–27.6). Individuals with both genotypes had no increased risk compared to individuals with one genotype.     

胃癌组织中肿瘤相关基因甲基化及其表达与叶酸和代谢酶MTHFR基因多态性的关系

目的:探讨人胃癌组织中癌基c-myc,抑癌基因p16INK4A,p21WAF1,错配修复基NhMLH1和hM2SH2的甲基化状态及其表达与叶酸、MTHFR基因多态性的关系．方法:胃癌38例手术切除标本的癌区、癌旁和外周正常黏膜组织,运用FOL ACS:180自动化学发光系统测定叶酸含量,PCR-RFLP技术检测MTHFR基因677(C→T)和1298(A→C)两个常见多态,并分别以Real—time RT-PCR和甲基化特异性PCR (MSP)技术检测肿瘤相关基因的表达和甲基化状态．结果:c-myc表达升高,p16INK4A,hMLH1和hMSH2表达降低的胃癌黏膜组织其基因启动子区异常甲基化．p21WAF1,hMSH2表达降低, p16INK4A高甲基化者叶酸水平明显降低,c-myc低甲基化和表达升高者中均存在低叶酸水平．MTHFR 677CC基因型的胃癌黏膜组织p16INK4A甲基化升高且表达降低,而其余肿瘤相关基因的甲基化及其表达与MTHFR两个常见多态均无明显相关性．结论:DNA甲基化在胃癌的发生、发展中具有重要作用,叶酸水平和MTHFR基因多态性通过影响部分肿瘤相关基因的甲基化状态而调控其表达．     

Genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome p450 2E1, glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1, and susceptibility to gastric carcinoma in Taiwan

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cytochrome p450 (CYP) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes are involved in activation and detoxification of many potential carcinogens. Genetic polymorphisms in these enzymes have been found to influence interindividual and interethnic susceptibility to cancer. Although CYP and GST enzymes are involved in the activation and detoxification of N-nitrosamines and related compound, studies on the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of CYP2E1, GSTT1, and GSTM1 and the risk of gastric carcinoma (GC) are few, and the results have been conflicting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a hospital-based case-control study to investigate whether such variations affect the risk of developing GC. Subjects included 356 GC patients and 278 unaffected controls. Peripheral white blood cell DNA was obtained from all subjects. Genotyping of CYP2E1 was performed using a PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Deletion of GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes was assessed by multiplex PCR. RESULTS: The distribution of c2/c2 genotype of CYP2E1, detected by PstI or RsaI digestion, differed significantly between GC patients and controls; the odds ratio was 2.9. It remained significant after adjustment with gender, histological subtypes (diffuse, intestinal, mixed), location (cardia, body, antrum/angle), and stage (early, advanced). In contrast, the prevalence of CYP2E1 DraI polymorphism and GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotype was similar in controls and GC patients. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the CYP2E1 genotype is a determinant of GC risk in Taiwan.     

Genetic polymorphisms of tobacco- and alcohol-related metabolizing enzymes and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

The effect of genetic polymorphisms for glutathione S-transferase ( GST) M1, GSTT1, GSTP1-1( GSTP1), cytochrome P450 2E1 ( CYP2E1) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 ( ALDH2) on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was observed in 78 Japanese patients with HCC and 138 non-cancer hospital controls. We found a positive association between cumulative amounts of alcohol consumption (>/=600,000 ml in a lifetime) and the risk of HCC (OR=4.52, 95% CI 2.39-8.55). However, cigarette smoking was not significantly related to the risk of HCC (OR=1.23, 95% CI 0.57-2.68). The allelic frequencies of GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, CYP2E1and ALDH2of HCC patients were not significantly different from those of controls when odds ratios were only adjusted for age and gender except for any 2 alleles of ALDH2in drinkers (OR=2.53, 95% CI 1.21-5.31). However, the frequency of any C2 alleles of CYP2E1and any 2 alleles of ALDH2were significantly higher than those of controls (OR=5.77, 95% CI 1.24-27.39, OR=9.77, 95% CI 1.63-58.60) when covariates including viremia were selected by using stepwise logistic regression analysis. We conclude that habitual alcohol drinking is likely to lead to an increased risk of HCC, and any C2alleles of CYP2E1as well as any two alleles of ALDH2were also associated with an increased risk of HCC.     

The role of hMLH1 methylation in the development of synchronous sporadic colorectal carcinomas

PURPOSE: AB. B. subset of sporadic colorectal carcinomas show microsatellite instability, usually as a result of biallelic hMLH1 gene promoter methylation. Synchronous tumors occur in up to 5 percent of patients with colorectal cancer, but their cause is poorly understood. We hypothesized that in the setting of sporadic microsatellite instability cancers, synchronicity may reflect a global predisposition of colorectal epithelium toward tumor development because of gene hypermethylation. METHODS: We identified 14 individuals with 33 synchronous cancers from a series of 362 patients with 381 sporadic colorectal cancers. We then analyzed the synchronous lesions for microsatellite status, hMLH1 protein expression, and hMLH1 promoter methylation. RESULTS: Seven of 33 synchronous tumors (21 percent) showed microsatellite instability, compared with 36 of 348 solitary tumors (10.3 percent, P = 0.06). The 14 patients with synchronous tumors were significantly older than those with solitary tumors (mean age 79.4 vs. 68.2 years, P = 0.01), and 5 of these patients had at least one microsatellite instability tumor. However, only one patient harbored synchronous tumors that were all of the microsatellite instability type. Methylation of the hMLH1 promoter was seen in 9 synchronous cancers from 27 assessable lesions in 7 patients and was associated with microsatellite instability (P = 0.01), right-sidedness (P = 0.01), and loss of expression of hMLH1 (P = 0.03). Only one case showed methylation in all synchronous tumors, whereas in five cases synchronous tumors showed different methylation status within the one individual. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that synchronous tumors arise as independent events and that the slightly greater frequency of synchronous tumors in individuals with microsatellite instability cancers is likely to be a chance event reflecting the older age of these individuals rather than arising from a predisposition toward cancer as a result of global hypermethylation of colorectal epithelium.     

Association between xenobiotic gene polymorphisms and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma risk

The last four decades have seen a significant increase in the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) as a possible result of increasing environmental carcinogen exposure, particularly pesticides and solvents. Based on the increasing evidence for an association between carcinogen exposure-related cancer risk and xenobiotic gene polymorphisms, we have undertaken a case-control study of xenobiotic gene polymorphisms in individuals with a diagnosis of NHL. Polymorphisms of six xenobiotic genes (CYP1A1, GSTT1, GSTM1, PON1, NAT1, NAT2) were characterized in 169 individuals with NHL and 205 normal controls using polymerase chain reaction-based methods. Polymorphic frequencies were compared using Fisher's exact tests, and odds ratios for NHL risk were calculated. Among the NHL group, the incidence of GSTT1 null and PON1 BB genotypes were significantly increased compared with controls, 34% vs 14%, and 24% vs 11% respectively. Adjusted odds ratios calculated from multivariate analyses demonstrated that GSTT1 null conferred a fourfold increase in NHL risk (OR = 4.27; 95% CI, 2.40-7.61, P < 0.001) and PON1 BB a 2.9-fold increase (OR = 2.92; 95% CI, 1.49-5.72, P = 0.002). Furthermore, GSTT1 null combined with PON1 BB or GSTM1 null conferred an additional risk of NHL. This is the first time that a PON1 gene polymorphism has been shown to be associated with cancer risk. We conclude that the two polymorphisms, GSTT1 null and PON1 BB, are common genetic traits that pose low individual risk but may be important determinants of overall population NHL risk, particularly among groups exposed to NHL-related carcinogens.     

Study of genetic polymorphism of xenobiotic enzymes in acute leukemia.

The work studied possible association between genetic polymorphisms of CYP2D6, GSTM1, GSTT1and NQO1 and altered susceptibility to leukaemia, correlating these genetic polymorphisms with clinical prognostic data, response to therapy and relapse. The study included 32 leukaemia patients, 19 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 13 with acute lymphoid leukaemia (ALL), and 11 normal individuals (control group). Basic investigations for the diagnosis of AML and ALL were performed, including blood picture, bone marrow aspirate, cytochemistry and immunophenotyping for detection of subtypes. Detection of CYP2D6, NQO1, GSTM1 and GSTT1 genetic polymorphisms used a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. A follow-up was made for association between the outcome of patients and different patterns of genetic polymorphisms. Results demonstrate a significant increase in the frequency of CYP2D6 wild-type and GSTM1 null genotypes in the acute leukaemia group compared with the control. Studying the relationship between polymorphisms of these genes and the outcome of our cases revealed the wild genotype of CYP2D6 significantly influenced the outcome of acute leukaemia particularly in AML cases, while GSTM1 null genotype was associated with bad prognosis among the ALL group. The study also revealed that patients with combined mutant CYP2D6/present GSTM1/present GSTT1 achieved the best prognosis, suggesting synergistic impact of these genetic polymorphisms on the outcome of acute leukaemia cases. This case-control study suggests a contribution of CYP2D6 and GSTM1 null variants in the development of acute leukaemia. In addition, GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were apparently related to response, side effects and prognosis of patients with AML.     

Genetic polymorphisms associated with cigarette smoking and the risk of Graves' disease

Objective  Cigarette smoking is a well-recognized risk factor of Graves' disease and, particularly, Graves' ophthalmopathy. Hence, germline polymorphisms of detoxification genes and genes belonging to the major DNA repair–apoptosis pathways might have an important role in disease susceptibility. In addition, as some of these genes are regulated by thyroid hormones, they may affect the patients' outcomes. We aimed to assess the influence of the GST, CYP and TP53 gene polymorphisms in the risk of Graves' disease and its outcome.
Design  Prospective case-control study.
Patients  A PCR-based strategy was used for GSTT1, GSTM1 , GSTP1, CYP1A1 and TP53 codon 72 genotypes in a group of 400 Graves' disease patients, and to compare them to 574 control individuals with similar environmental exposure features.
Results  GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were equally distributed in cases and controls, repectively. However, GSTP1 ( P <  0·0001), CYP1A1 ( P <  0·0033) and Pro/ProTP53 ( P <  0·0035) variants appeared more frequently in Graves' disease patients than in controls. A multivariate analysis indicated that cigarette smoking and inheritance of GSTP1, CYP1A1 and Pro/ProTP53 variants were important risk factors for Graves' disease, but only smoking appeared as an independent risk factor for Graves' ophthalmopathy. There was no association between clinical features, including ophthalmopathy or treatment outcome, and the studied genotypes.
Conclusion  We concluded that GSTP1, CYP1A1 and TP53, but not GSTT1 and GSTM1 germline polymorphisms, may be associated with smoking-related Graves' disease susceptibility and configure a risk profile for the disease. However, these polymorphisms do not influence the patients' response to treatment.     

Glutathione-<Emphasis Type="Italic">S</Emphasis>-transferase P1, T1 and M1 genetic polymorphisms in neoadjuvant-treated locally advanced gastric cancer: GSTM1-present genotype is associated with better prognosis in completely resected patients

OBJECTIVE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in gastric cancer is now standard in the Western world; however, only 30-40% of the patients respond to induction therapy. Pretherapeutic predictors of response and prognosis would be of utmost interest to individualize treatment. Glutathione-S-transferase enzymes detoxify therapeutic drugs such as platin derivates and may influence outcome of the treated patients. Therefore, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) polymorphisms were assessed as predictive markers in cisplatinum-based neoadjuvant-treated gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA was isolated from 139 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (cT3/4 anyN cM0) before chemotherapy. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction was used for GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes, and allelic discrimination assay with the TaqMan system for the GSTP1 gene. RESULTS: One hundred ten patients could be analyzed for GSTT1 (T-:23; T + 87), 112 for GSTM1 (M-:52; M +:60) and 132 for GSTP1 (Ile/Ile: 55; Ile/Val: 59; Val/Val: 18). There was no significant correlation between any of the GSTT1, GSTM1, or GSTP1 genotypes and patients' characteristics or histopathological data; only the GSTM1+ genotype was associated with the non-intestinal subtype of the Lauren classification (p = 0.045). GSTT1, GSTM1, and GSTP1 genotypes were not correlated with response to chemotherapy (p = 0.57, p = 0.38, p = 0.33). In R0 resected patients, we found an improved survival for patients with the GSTM1-present genotype compared to patients with the GSTM1-null genotype (p = 0.017). Moreover, the GSTM1-present genotype showed a significantly better tumor-related (p = 0.017) and disease-free survival (p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: None of the common GST polymorphisms predicts response in our study, but the GSTM1+ genotype was associated with a better prognosis in completely resected patients. Further investigations on chemotherapy-associated gene polymorphisms are warranted.     

Promoter hypermethylation of CDH1, FHIT, MTAP and PLAGL1 in gastric adenocarcinoma in individuals from Northern Brazil

AIM: To evaluate the methylation status of CDH1, FHIT, MTAP and PLAGL1 promoters and the association of these findings with clinico-pathological characteristics. METHODS: Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) assay was performed in 13 nonneoplastic gastric adenocarcinoma, 30 intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma and 35 diffuse- type gastric adenocarcinoma samples from individuals in Northern Brazil. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square or Fisher’s exact test to assess associations between methylation status and clinico- pathological characteristics. RESULTS: Hypermethylation frequencies of CDH1, FHIT, MTAP and PLAGL1 promoter were 98.7%, 53.9%, 23.1% and 29.5%, respectively. Hypermethylation of three or four genes revealed a significant association with diffuse-type gastric cancer compared with nonneoplastic cancer. A higher hypermethylation frequency wassignificantly associated with H pylori infection in gastric cancers, especially with diffuse-type. Cancer samples without lymph node metastasis showed a higher FHIT hypermethylation frequency. MTAP hypermethylation was associated with H pylori in gastric cancer samples, as well as with diffuse-type compared with intestinal-type. In diffuse-type, MTAP hypermethylation was associated with female gender. CONCLUSION: Our findings show differential gene methylation in tumoral tissue, which allows us to conclude that hypermethylation is associated with gastric carcinogenesis. MTAP promoter hypermethylation can be characterized as a marker of diffuse-type gastric cancer, especially in women and may help in diagnosis, prognosis and therapies. The H pylori infectious agent was present in 44.9% of the samples. This infection may be correlated with the carcinogenic process through the gene promoter hypermethylation, especially the MTAP promoter in diffuse-type. A higher H pylori infection in diffuse-type may be due to greater genetic predisposition.     

Role of DNA repair systems in malignant tumor development in the elderly

The increased incidence of malignant neoplasms in the elderly is related to the accumulation of damaged DNA. We focused on the molecular mechanisms of the DNA repair system and examined its relationship to malignant neoplasms in the elderly. Hypermethylation of the promoter region of a mismatch repair gene is strongly associated with gastric and colorectal carcinomas occurring in the elderly. These tumors have characteristic features such as the absence of hMLH1 expression, microsatellite instability, poorly differentiated histology, low incidence of lymph node metastasis and favorable prognosis. On the other hand, we analyzed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the genes in the DNA repair system such as hOGG1 , p53 , XRCC1 and hMLH1 in autopsy cases. Although no significant associations were found between the SNP and the number of malignant neoplasms, a few SNP were associated with specific tumors. These findings suggest that epigenetic changes in the DNA mismatch repair genes play important roles in the development of gastric and colorectal carcinomas and that the SNP of DNA repair genes have little influence on the occurrence of carcinoma in the elderly.     

CYP1A1, GST gene polymorphisms and risk of chronic myeloid leukemia

PRINCIPLES: Associations between polymorphisms for genes encoding enzymes involved in biotransformation of xenobiotics and susceptibility to several cancers have been shown in several studies. The aim of the present study is to investigate the influence of cytochromes P450 (CYP450) 1A1*2C and Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) (T1 and M1) gene polymorphisms in susceptibility to chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). METHODS: The frequency of CYP1A1 Ile/Val alleles and of GSTT1 and GSTM1 homozygous deletions was examined in 107 patients with CML and 132 healthy controls by PCR and/or PCRRFLP methods using blood samples. RESULTS: The frequency of CYP1A1 Val allele was found to be 19.2% in CML patients and 4.4% for controls, indicating that persons carrying this allele had an increased risk of CML (OR = 5.10, 95% CI: 2.60-9.97). The frequency of individuals carrying the GSTT1 null genotype was higher among CML patients (40.2%) compared to controls (19.2%) (OR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.58-5.05; p <0.001). Therefore, GSTT1 present genotype may be a protective factor for CML. Although GSTM1 null genotype frequency was slightly higher in the patient group (44.9%) than in the controls (42.3%), this difference was not statistically significant (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.66-1.86; p = 0.693). Individuals with GSTM1 null genotypes without the T allele have a 5.981 higher risk for CML than those who have the T allele. CONCLUSIONS: This data suggests that polymorphic CYP1A1 and GSTT1 genes appear to affect susceptibility to CML.     

hMLH1基因高甲基化在胃癌发生、发展中的作用

基因启动子区CpG岛甲基化使许多基因失活，从而导致恶性肿瘤的发生和发展。目的：检测hMLHl基因启动子区CpG岛甲基化水平，探讨其胃癌发生、发展中的作用。方法：以甲基化特异性聚合酶链反应（MSP）检测41例胃癌、40例癌前病变和38例对照组织中hMLHl基因启动子区CpG岛甲基化状态，并分析其与胃癌患者临床病理特征的关系。结果：胃癌组织中hMLHl基因启动子区CpG岛甲基化阳性率为34．1％，显著高于癌前病变组的5．0％和对照组的0％（P〈0．05）。hMLHl基因甲基化阳性率与胃癌患者的年龄和肿瘤浸润深度有关（阳性率分别为46．4％对7．7％和55．0％对14.3％，P〈0．05），与性别、肿瘤分化程度和淋巴结转移无关（阳性率分别为34．8％对33．3％、28．0％对43．8％和38．1％对30．0％）。结论：胃癌组织中存在hMLHl基因启动子区CpG岛高甲基化，可能与胃癌的发生、发展有关．且可能在老年胃癌患者的肿瘤发生过程中起重要作用。     

胃癌维甲酸信号通路相关基因启动子区协同高甲基化的研究

背景：启动子区高甲基化与胃癌中多种抑癌基因表达沉默密切相关。目的：探讨维甲酸信号通路相关基因维甲酸受体B（RAR13）、细胞维生素A结合蛋白1（CRBP1）和他扎罗汀诱导基因1（TIG1）启动子区高甲基化与胃癌的关系。方法：以甲基化特异性聚合酶链反应（MSP）检测40例胃癌标本、10例正常胃黏膜标本和6株胃癌细胞株的RAR13、CRBPI和TIG1基因启动子区甲基化状态，分析i者甲基化状态的相关性及其与胃癌1晦床病理特征的关系。以逆转录聚合酶链反应（RT—PCR）检测胃癌细胞株RAR13、CRBP1和TIG1mRNA表达。结果：40例胃癌组织的RAR13、CRBPI和TIG1基因甲基化率分别为45．0％、32．5％和57．5％，10例正常胃黏膜组织均未检测到上述基因甲基化（P〈0．05）。胃癌组织中RAR13的甲基化状态与CRBP1和TIG1的甲基化状态显著相关（P〈0．05），但三者的甲基化状态与胃癌临床病理特征无相关性。启动子区高甲基化胃癌细胞株相应基因mRNA表达缺失或减弱。结论：胃癌组织常发生维甲酸信号通路相关基因RAR13、CRBP1和TIG1启动子区高甲基化，高甲基化可能是相应基因转录失活的重要原因。