Stability of E-cadherin methylation status in gastric mucosa associated with histology changes.
BACKGROUND
We have previously shown reversal of E-cadherin methylation in gastric mucosa from patients with dyspepsia at week 6 after Helicobacter pylori-eradication therapy. But the long-term methylation status of these patients was unknown.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the methylation status at E-cadherin at year 3 after H. pylori-eradication therapy.


METHODS
35 patients (25 with and 10 without H. pylori eradicated) enrolled in our previous study were recruited into the present study (year 3 analysis). Methylation at E-cadherin was evaluated by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction method.


RESULTS
There was no difference in age and sex distribution in the two groups. Methylation at E-cadherin in patients with H. pylori eradicated at weeks 0, 6 and year 3 were 52%, 20% and 20%, respectively. Concordant methylation status at week 6 and year 3 was 92%. Methylation at E-cadherin in patients without H. pylori at weeks 0, 6 and year 3 were 50%, 60% and 60%, respectively. Concordant methylation status between week 6 and year 3 was 90%. Stability of E-cadherin methylation status was associated with histological changes. No association between E-cadherin methylation status and age was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The methylation pattern is stable for a long period, thus suggesting the effect of environment on methylation.
Chan
A O O
AO
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. aoochan@hku.hk
Huang
C
C
Hui
W M
WM
Cho
C H
CH
Yuen
M F
MF
Lam
S K
SK
Rashid
A
A
Wong
B C-Y
BC
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015820:Cadherins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008745:Methylation; D008875:Middle Aged; D011706:Pyloric Antrum / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D015820:Cadherins