Scientists from Chiba University have found a way to accurately predict the risk of stomach cancer using DNA methylation analysis and lifestyle assessment. The research was published in the journal eBioMedicine.
Several environmental and lifestyle factors, including tobacco and alcohol use, contribute to the risk of developing stomach cancer. Also infection Helicobacter pylori A bacteria that lives in the stomach is another leading risk factor for disease. Infection H. pylori can cause inflammation. It is also responsible for altering gene activity, i.e. changing the DNA methylation profile.
In the new study, researchers compared biopsy samples taken from the stomach lining of patients who did or did not later develop stomach cancer. They showed that specific changes in gene activity were associated with a higher risk of cancer. This was also due to bacterial infection. H. pylori and tobacco and alcohol use.
Scientists believe that in the future, DNA methylation profiles may be able to identify patients at high risk for stomach cancer. To prevent tumor development, they will be advised to give up tobacco and alcohol and also to have more frequent stomach examinations.
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