Single CpG Site hypomethylation of MAL gene might be associated with human papillomavirus persistent infection

Abstract

Objective: It has been well known that cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is preceded by persistent infections with human papillomavirus (HPV) types that carry a high oncogenic risk. About 80% of young women who become infected with HPV have transient infections that clear within 12-18 months. Only a small fraction of women with HPV infection eventually develop persistent infections. No definitive molecular evidence is associated with persistent infection. In this study, we aimed to determine the difference of promotor methylation level in cervical cell genes (ADCYAP1, PAX1, CAMD1, and MAL) between persistence and clearance of HPV infection.