Relationships among MTHFR a1298c gene polymorphisms and methylation status of Dact1 gene in transitional cell carcinomas

Impact of chronically alternating light-dark cycles on circadian clock mediated expression of cancer (glioma)-related genes in the brain

Disruption of the circadian rhythm is a risk factor for cancer, while glioma is a leading contributor to mortality worldwide. Substantial efforts are being undertaken to decrypt underlying molecular pathways. Our understanding of the mechanisms through which disrupted circadian rhythm induces glioma development and progression is incomplete. We, therefore, examined changes in the expression of glioma-related genes in the mouse brain after chronic jetlag (CJL) exposure. A total of 22 candidate tumor suppressor (n= 14) and oncogenes (n= 8) were identified and analyzed for their interaction with clock genes. Both the control and CJL groups were investigated for the expression of candidate genes in the nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, and striatum of wild type, Bmal1-/- and Cry1/2 double knockout male mice. We found significant variations in the expression of candidate tumor suppressor and oncogenes in the brain tissues after CJL treatment in the wild type, Bmal1-/- and Cry1/2 double knockout mice. In response to CJL treatment, some of the genes were regulated in the wild type, Bmal1-/- and Cry1/2 similarly. However, the expression of some of the genes indicated their association with the functional clock. Overall, our result suggests a link between CJL and gliomas risk at least partially dependent on the circadian clock. However, further studies are needed to investigate the molecular mechanism associated with CJL and gliomas.

Anticancer Effects of Green Tea and the Underlying Molecular Mechanisms in Bladder Cancer

Green tea and green tea polyphenols (GTPs) are reported to inhibit carcinogenesis and malignant behavior in several diseases. Various in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that GTPs suppress the incidence and development of bladder cancer. However, at present, opinions concerning the anticancer effects and preventive role of green tea are conflicting. In addition, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of green tea in bladder cancer remain unclear, as these effects are regulated by several cancer-related factors. A detailed understanding of the pathological roles and regulatory mechanisms at the molecular level is necessary for advancing treatment strategies based on green tea consumption for patients with bladder cancer. In this review, we discuss the anticancer effects of GTPs on the basis of data presented in in vitro studies in bladder cancer cell lines and in vivo studies using animal models, as well as new treatment strategies for patients with bladder cancer, based on green tea consumption. Finally, on the basis of the accumulated data and the main findings, we discuss the potential usefulness of green tea as an antibladder cancer agent and the future direction of green tea-based treatment strategies for these patients.

Aberrant DNA methylation of P16, MGMT, hMLH1 and hMSH2 genes in combination with the MTHFR C677T genetic polymorphism in gastric cancer

Associations of P16, MGMT, hMLH1 and hMLH2 with gastric cancer and their relation with MTHFR status in gastric patients who were confirmed with pathological diagnosis were assessed. Aberrant DNA methylation of P16, MGMT, hMLH1 and hMLH2 and polymorphisms of MTHFR C677T were assayed. The proportional DNA hypermethylation in P16, MGMT, hMLH1 and hMLH2 in cancer tissues was significantly higher than in remote normal-appearing tissues. DNA hypermethylation of P16 and MGMT was correlated with the T and N stages. Individuals with homozygotes (TT) of MTHFR C677T had significant risk of hypermethylation of MGMT in cancer tissues [OR (95% CI)= 3.47(1.41-7.93)]. However, we did not find association between polymorphism in MTHFR C677T and risk of hypermethylation in P16, MGMT, hMLH1 and hMLH2 genes either in cancer or remote normal-appearing tissues. Aberrant hypermethylation of P16, MGMT, hMLH1 and hMLH2 could be predictive of gastric cancer.

Aberrant DNA Methylation of P16, MGMT, and hMLH1 Genes in Combination with MTHFR C677T Genetic Polymorphism in gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore the association of P16, MGMT and HMLH1 with gastric cancer and their relation with Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR).

METHODS

322 gastric patients who were confirmed with pathological diagnosis were included in our study. Aberrant DNA methylation of P16, MGMT and HMLH1 and polymorphisms of MTHFR C677T and A1298C were detected using PCR-RFLP.

RESULTS

The proportions of DNA hypermethylation in P16, MGMT and hMLH1 genes in gastric cancer tissues were 75.2% (242/322), 27.6% (89/322) and 5.3% (17/322), respectively. In the remote normal-appearing tissues, 29.5% (95/322) and 16.1%(52/322) showed hypermethylation in P16 and MGMT genes, respectively. We found a significantly higher proportion of DNA hypermethylation of P16 in patients with N1 TNM stage in cancer tissues and remote normal-appearing tissues (P<0.05). Similarly, we found DNA hypermethylation of MGMT had significantly higher proportion in N1 and M1 TNM stage (P<0.05). Individuals with homozygotes (TT) of MTHFR C677T had significant risk of DNA hypermethylation of MGMT in cancer tissues [OR (95% CI)=4.27(1.76-7.84)], and a significant risk was also found in those carrying MTHFR 677CT/TT genotype [OR (95% CI)= 3.27(1.21-4.77)].

CONCLUSION

We found the aberrant hypermethylation of cancer-related genes, such as P16, MGMT and HMLH1, could be predictive biomarkers for detection of gastric cancer.