Review
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World J Clin Infect Dis. Nov 25, 2014; 4(4): 41-49
Published online Nov 25, 2014. doi: 10.5495/wjcid.v4.i4.41
DNA methylation in liver diseases
Shuai Gao, Kai Wang
Shuai Gao, Kai Wang, Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
Kai Wang, Institute of Hepatology, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
Author contributions: Gao S and Wang K contributed to this paper.
Supported by Grants from Key Project of Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, No. 2012ZX10002007, 2013ZX10002001; National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81171579, 81201287; Science and Technology Development Plan of Shandong Province, No. 2012GSF11846
Correspondence to: Kai Wang, MD, PhD, Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Wenhuaxi Road 107#, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China. wangdoc876@126.com
Telephone: +86-531-82169596 Fax: +86-531-86927544
Received: June 27, 2014
Revised: July 24, 2014
Accepted: October 1, 2014
Published online: November 25, 2014
Abstract

Recently, growing evidences show that the combination of epigenetic and genetic abnormalities contribute together to the development of liver diseases. DNA methylation is a very important epigenetic mechanism in human beings. It refers to addition of the methyl groups to DNA and mainly occurs at cytosine adjacent to guanine. DNA methylation is prevalent across human genome and is essential for the normal human development, while its dysfunction is associated with many human diseases. A deep understanding of DNA methylation may provide us deep insight into the origination of liver diseases. Also, it may provide us new tools for diseases diagnosis and prognosis prediction. This review summarized recent progress of DNA methylation study and provided an overview of DNA methylation and liver diseases. Meanwhile, the association between DNA methylation and liver diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma, liver fibrosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and liver failure were extensively discussed. Finally, we discussed the potential of DNA methylation therapeutics for liver diseases and the value of DNA methylation as biomarkers for liver diseases diagnosis and prognosis prediction. This review aimed to provide the emerging DNA methylation information about liver diseases. It might provide essential information for managing and care of these patients.

Keywords: DNA methylation, Liver diseases, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Liver fibrosis, Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, Liver failure

Core tip: This review summarized recent progress of DNA methylation study and provided an overview of DNA methylation and liver diseases. The association between DNA methylation and liver diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma, liver fibrosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or liver failure were extensively discussed. We also discussed the potential of DNA methylation as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for liver diseases. This review aimed to provide the emerging DNA methylation information about liver diseases. It might provide essential information for managing and care of these patients.