Abstract
The implications of global DNA hypomethylation were recently reported in several models of tumorigenesis. Little is known about this epigenetic event in thyroid neoplasia. The study aimed to evaluate the status of global DNA methylation in several types of thyroid tumors using a monoclonal antibody specific for 5-methylcytidine (5-mc) and to define the diagnosis potential of this marker. 5-mc immunostaining scores were calculated in 17 papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC), 6 follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTC), 16 follicular adenomas (FA), 19 nodular goiters (NG) and ten Hürthle cells adenomas (HCA). The expression of galectin-3 was also evaluated. Computerized image analysis showed a significant lower level of 5-mc immunostaining in thyroid carcinoma when compared with benign tumors or adjacent normal thyroid parenchyma (P<0.0001). Overall, 5-mc accuracy to distinguish malign from benign thyroid tumors was similar to that of galectin-3 (89% versus 87%, P>0.05). The combination of 5-mc with galectin-3 led to an excellent accuracy level of 96%. Among follicular neoplasia 5-mc accuracy to differentiate malign tumors trends to be higher than galectin-3 one (90% versus 66%, P=0.06). These data stress the necessity of epigenetic events evaluation among thyroid nodules and propose global DNA methylation assessment as a potential diagnostic tool to combine with other valuable markers.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
