The association between RAR and FHIT promoter methylation and the carcinogenesis of patients with cervical carcinoma: A meta-analysis

The RAR and FHIT promoter methylation are observed in some cervical carcinoma. However, the association between RAR and FHIT promoter methylation and cervical carcinogenesis remains unclear. This study was carried out to evaluate the correlation between RAR or FHIT promoter methylation and cervical carcinogenesis. Eligible publications were searched via online databases. The combined odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated and summarized. In all, 17 eligible articles on RAR and FHIT promoter methylation were identified in the study. RAR promoter methylation was significantly higher in cervical cancer than in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia lesions and normal cervical tissues (odds ratio = 3.90, p= 0.018; odds ratio = 12.98, p< 0.001, respectively). There was more FHIT promoter methylation in cervical cancer than in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia lesions and normal controls (odds ratio = 8.0, p = 0.055; odds ratio = 10.75, p< 0.001, respectively). In addition, FHIT promoter methylation was correlated with clinical stage (advanced stage vs early stage: odds ratio = 2.69, p= 0.056) and tumor grade (high grade vs low grade: odds ratio = 4.11, p< 0.001). RAR and FHIT promoter methylation may be associated with the carcinogenesis of cervical cancer. FHIT promoter methylation may play a crucial role in cervical cancer progression. Additional studies with large sample sizes are essential to confirm our findings.