COX-2 gene promoter methylation in patients infected with Helicobacter pylori.

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[Aim] COX2 plays a critical role in peptic ulcer development. We evaluated COX2 methylation levels in the gastric mucosa. [Methods] DNA was extracted from endoscopic biopsy materials. The COX2 methylation levels were measured quantitatively by pyrosequencing. COX2 mRNA expression was measured using real-time PCR. [Results] COX2 methylation levels were significantly higher in H.pylori (HP)-positive cases than in HP-negative cases. COX2 methylation levels in patients in whom HP was successfully eradicated were significantly lower than that in HP-positive cases. COX2 mRNA expression was not observed in Kato III cells, despite the addition of the protein kinase C stimulator (PDBu). COX2 expression was observed after the addition of the demethylating agent and was enhanced by PDBu.[Conclusion] HP infection caused a significant increase in the COX2 methylation levels in the gastric mucosa. In addition to transcriptional regulation, COX2 expression is regulated through epigenetic mechanisms.