Correlation of MGMT with Glioma: An Experimental Study

OBJECTIVE: To explore the O6-methylguanine DNA-methyltransferase( MGMT) gene promoter methylation and MGMT protein expression in order to provide a theoretical basis for clinical individualized treatment of glioma. METHODS: 45 glioma tissue paraffin specimens and 11 normal brain tissue paraffin specimens were collected for measurement of MGMT expression by immunohistochemical assay. MGMT gene promoter methylation in the 45 glioma specimens was detected by methylation specific PCR( MSP). RESULTS: The expression of MGMT was statistically significant between glioma tissue and normal brain tissue. MGMT expression level was not significantly different between the different grade of gliomas. MGMT expression was not associated with patient's sex and age differences. MGMT protein expression in gliomas was negatively associated with MGMT gene promoter methylation.MGMT gene promoter methylation was not associated with the grade of glioma. CONCLUSION: MGMT expression was not correlated with the degree of malignancy of tumor,but correlated with drug resistance of alkylating agents. In formulating individualized therapy for patients,clinicians should not consider the factors of gender and age alone.Measurement of MGMT activity in tumor cells before using alkylating chemotherapy is of guiding significance.