title: Stability of E-cadherin methylation status in gastric mucosa associated with histology changes.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. aoochan@hku.hk
authors.forename: A O O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: W M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Hui
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Yuen
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rashid
authors.forename: B C-Y
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D015820:Cadherins