Differential DNA Hydroxymethylation in Human Uterine Leiomyoma Cells Depending on the Phase of Menstrual Cycle and Presence of MED12 Gene Mutations

Abstract

Using immunofluorescence with specific antibodies, we analyzed DNA hydroxymethylation in uncultured cells from 25 human uterine leiomyomas considering the menstrual cycle phase during surgery and the presence of MED12 gene mutations. It was found that each tumor node had specific DNA hydroxymethylation level that did not depend on the presence of mutations in MED12 gene, but depended on the phase of menstrual cycle. The degree of DNA hydroxymethylation was significantly lower in cells of leiomyomas excised during the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase (p=0.0431). Hormonal status changing at various phases of menstrual cycle is a factor affecting DNA hydroxymethylation in leiomyoma cells.