The Role Of Methylation Modification Of C-Myc Gene In Risk Assessment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Purpose:To study the correlation between Cp G island methylation of c-Myc gene and rheumatoid arthritis(RA).We collected peripheral DNA from the rheumatoid arthritis patients and normal subjects,tested methylation ability of c-Myc genetic opening subdomain by phosphate-sequencing,and analysed whether c-Myc gene methylation levels had obvious differences to determine the correlation between gene methylation and RA.It may provide a new way in the treatment of RA.Methods:The whole blood DNA was extracted from rheumatoid arthritis group and healthy control group.Genetic methylation was detected by the method of phosphate-sequencing.The methylation level was analysed through t test or non-parametric test statistically.Results:1.The methylation level of c-Myc Cp G(pos.2,3,4,5,6)had significant difference between the rheumatoid arthritis group and the control group(all P < 0.05).2.The methylation level of c-Myc Cp G(pos.1,2,4,6)was positively correlated with the hemoglobin of rheumatoid arthritis.The lower the methylation level was,the more severe the anemia would be,and vice versa.3.The methylation level of c-Myc Cp G(pos.1)was significantly negatively correlated with the DAS28 score and erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)in rheumatoid arthritis group.The lower the methylation level was,the higher the DAS28 score and ESR would be.4.The methylation levels of c-Myc Cp G(pos.1)had significant statistical differences between the activity group and stable group of rheumatoid arthritis(P < 0.05).5.The methylation level of c-Myc Cp G(pos.1)was significantly negatively correlated with the c-reactive protein(CRP)and platelet count(PLT)in the rheumatoid arthritis activity group.The higher the level of methylation was,the lower the CRP and PLT levels were.Conclusion:1.The methylation level of gene c-Myc Cp G(pos.2,3,4,5,6)was correlated with the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis.2.The methylation level of gene c-Myc CpG(pos.1,2,4,6)was correlated with anemia in rheumatoid arthritis.3.The methylation level of gene c-Myc Cp G(pos.1)was correlated with DAS28 score and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in rheumatoid arthritis.4.The methylation level of gene c-Myc Cp G(pos.1)was correlated with the activity of rheumatoid arthritis.5.The methylation level of gene c-Myc Cp G(pos.1)was correlated with the level of CRP,PLT,ALT and AST in rheumatoid arthritis.