BACKGROUND:Prostate cancer (PCa) displays a strong familiarity component and genetic factors; genes regulating inflammation may have a pivotal role in the disease.
Epigenetic changes control chromosomal integrity, gene functions and ultimately carcinogenesis. The enzyme glycine-N-methyltransferase (GNMT) contributes to S-adenosylmethionine level regulation and, by affecting DNA methylation, influences gene expression. The genotype and allele distribution of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter regions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin (IL)-10, IL-1β, alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) and GNMT genes, the level of global DNA methylation and the influence of GNMT SNP upon DNA methylation in a PCa case-control study have been investigated.
METHODS:SNPs of VEGF (rs699947), ACT (rs1884082), IL-1β (rs16944), IL-10 (rs1800896) and GNMT (rs9462856) genes were assessed by PCR or by real-time PCR methods. DNA methylation was assessed by an ELISA assay.
RESULTS:Frequencies of the VEGF AA genotype, the IL-10 A allele and GNMT T allele were higher in PCa. The concomitant presence of the AA genotype of VEGF, the A allele of IL-10 and T allele of GNMT increased the risk of PCa. Total DNA methylation was decreased in PCa; control GNMT T carriers (T+) showed the highest level of DNA methylation.
CONCLUSIONS: SNPs in VEGF, IL-10 and GNMT genes might have a synergistic role in the development of PCa. The GNMT T allele may influence PCa risk by affecting DNA methylation and prostate gene expression. Our observations might help implement the screening of unaffected subjects with an increased susceptibility to develop PCa.
Written by:
Ianni M, Porcellini E, Carbone I, Potenzoni M, Pieri AM, Pastizzaro CD, Benecchi L, Licastro F. Are you the author?
Department of Experimental Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Reference: Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2012 Jul 31. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1038/pcan.2012.30
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22850906
UroToday.com Investigative Urology Section
