Promoter methylation of human mutL homolog 1 and colorectal cancer risk: A meta-analysis

J Cancer Res Ther. 2018;14(4):851-855. doi: 10.4103/0973-1482.172587.

Abstract

Aims: Several studies suggested that promoter methylation of human mutL homolog 1 (hMLH1) was associated with the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, other studies did not indicate the same results. To derive a more comprehensive estimation of the association between hMLH1 methylation and CRC risk, we conducted a meta-analysis.

Materials and methods: We searched in the PubMed, EMBASE, and WanFang Medicine databases. The strength of the associations was measured by odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: A total of 47 studies with 4296 cases and 2827 controls were included. A statistically significant association between hMLH1 methylation and CRC risk was found (OR = 9.25; 95% CI, 5.65-15.53; P < 0.001). The heterogeneity was significant (P < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis of race, Asian and Caucasian with hMLH1 methylation had increased CRC risk (OR = 12.19; 95% CI, 7.02-23.42; P < 0.001 and OR = 6.38; 95% CI, 2.17-19.64; P < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis of sample source, only the sample from tissue showed increased CRC risk (OR = 10.46; 95% CI, 6.12-17.90; P < 0.001). The Egger's test did not find publication bias (P = 0.176).

Conclusions: In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggested that hMLH1 methylation was associated with an increased CRC risk.

Keywords: Association; colorectal cancer; meta-analysis; methylation.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / genetics*
  • DNA Methylation*
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Humans
  • MutL Protein Homolog 1*
  • Odds Ratio
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic*

Substances

  • MutL Protein Homolog 1