Abstract 146: Zinc deficiency and G0s2 DNA methylation in rat esophageal carcinogenesis

Objectives: Epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation and covalent modification of histone proteins, are key events in carcinogenesis. Several nutrients, including methionine and folate, that influence cancer susceptibility also affect epigenetic processes. Zinc deficiency (ZD) is implicated in the pathogenesis of human esophageal cancer. In the rat, a ZD diet induces esophageal cell proliferation, modulates genetic expression, and enhances carcinogenesis. Zinc-replenishment (ZR) reverses these events and inhibits tumorigenesis. Here we examined the impact of zinc on epigenetic processes during N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA)-induced esophageal carcinogenesis and its prevention. Methods: We evaluated DNA-methyltransferase activity by S-adenosyl-L(methyl-3H) methionine incorporation in esophageal mucosa from zinc-modulated rats without NMBA treatment; at 5 weeks after the first NMBA dose; and at 15 weeks (endpoint) after 3 NMBA doses. The ZD rats had significantly higher tumor incidence (100% vs 16.6%, P Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 146.