Methylation of p14ARF gene on oral squamous cell carcinoma patients with non-smoking history in Muwardi Hospital Surakarta, Central Java

Abstract

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth cancer disease in the world. Epigenetic alteration of tumour suppressor gene has been postulated as an early step of carcinogenesis. The methylation of p14ARF gene might be one type of epigenetic alteration contributing to the carcinogenesis of OSCC. Objective: The purpose of this study was to to examine the hypermethylation status of p14ARF gene. Methods: Fresh tissue sample was obtained from four patients diagnosed with OSCC. Examination with bisulfite modification and the hypermethylation status was analysed using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction method. Findings: Methylation of p14ARF gene occurred in all of four samples of oral squamous cell carcinoma. The history of smoking actively or passively was denied by all patients. All patients were Javanese, and commonly lived in rural area with averagely less satisfactory oral hygiene. Conclusion: this study indicated that methylation in p14ARF gene play a role in oral carcinogenesis, particularly the squamous cell carcinoma. The lack of smoking history among the patients suggested that bad oral hygiene as one condition that might become a risk factor for the development of OSCC other than smoking.