Methylation profiling of CPG islands in the promoters of P15 and P16 genes in hepatocellular carcinoma: correlations with HCV associated infection and pathological parameters

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate DNA methylation patterns of CpG islands in the promoters of p15 and p16 genes in hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] and hepatitis C [HCV] cases and to evaluate whether the expression of p16/p15 wild genes as well as methylation of their promoters were significantly correlated with the pathological stage and grade of HCC. Design: A cross sectional case controlled, single center study