PUTATIVE ASSOCIATION OF DNA METHYLTRANSFERASE 1 (DNMT1) POLYMORPHISM WITH RISK OF HUMAN HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA AMONG CHRONIC HBV PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) 1 is a key enzyme responsible for the DNA methylation, which occurs often in CpG islands near regulatory regions of genes and affects the transcription of specific genes. In this study, we examined possible genetic association of DNMT1 polymorphisms with HBV clearance and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Five common polymorphic sites were selected, considering their allele frequencies, haplotype-tagging status and LDs for genotyping in larger-scale subjects (n = 1,093). Result: Statistical analysis demonstrated that two intron polymorphisms, DNMT1 +34542G>C and DNMT1 +38565G>T, showed significant association with the resolution of HBV infection in the co-dominant model (OR = 1.30, P = 0.005, Pcorr = 0.03), and co-dominant/recessive model (OR = 1.34–1.74, P = 0.002–0.004, Pcorr = 0.01–0.03), respectively. Conclusion: These results suggest that two intron polymorphisms, DNMT1 +34542G>C and DNMT1 +38565G>T, might be related with HBV clearance.