Trace Elements Status and Metallothioneins DNA Methylation Influence Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Survival Rate

Mechanisms underlying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development are largely unknown. The role of trace elements and proteins regulating metal ions homeostasis, i.e. metallothioneins (MTs), recently gained an increased interest. Object of the study was to investigate the role of promoter DNA methylation in MTs transcriptional regulation and the possible prognostic significance of serum trace elements in HCC.Forty-nine HCC patients were enrolled...