PERIPHERAL BLOOD CELL DNA METHYLATION AND HYDROXYMETHYLATION IN PROSTATE CANCER. A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Objective/Purpose: DNA methylation is an important epigenetic hallmark of cancer, including prostate cancer, with a general pattern of global hypomethylation accompanied by hypermethylation at certain gene promoters’ level in tissues. Limited evidence exists on the methylation pattern of blood cells in prostate cancer patients, which this pilot study is addressing. Material and Methods: DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation levels were assessed in peripheral nucleated blood cells from prostate cancer patients compared to controls using fluorimetric ELISA-type assays that directly measure the amount of 5mC and 5hmC, respectively. Results: There was significant difference in global DNA methylation levels between prostate cancer patients and controls, with almost two-fold hypomethylation observed in patients’ blood cell DNA (p<0.0001). There was no statistical significant difference regarding the hydroxymethylation levels. Conclusions: In this pilot study of limited sample sizewe found evidence of different levels of global DNA methylation in blood cells of prostate cancer patients compared to controls. These findings need further replication in future larger studies in order to assess the biomarker potential of blood cells DNA methylation and hydroxymetylation in prostate cancer.

Keywords

• DNA methylatyon
• DNA hydroxymethylation
• prostate cancer
• peripheral blood cells