Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
DNA methylation levels in dog mammary gland tumors and clinical links
By Biondi, Luiz Roberto et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2021·Department of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Quantification of Global DNA Methylation in Canine Mammary Gland TumorsImmunostaining of 5-Methylcytosine: Histopathological and Clinical Correlations.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study looked at mammary tumors in female dogs, which are common in those that haven't been spayed. Researchers examined tumor samples to understand the role of DNA changes in these tumors. They found that malignant tumors (cancerous) had different DNA methylation patterns compared to benign tumors (non-cancerous), with more aggressive tumors showing lower levels of methylation. This suggests that measuring DNA methylation could help identify which tumors are more likely to come back after treatment.
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Abstract
Mammary tumors are the most prevalent neoplasms in non-neutered female dogs, with genetic and epigenetic alterations contributing to canine mammary carcinogenesis. This study quantified global DNA methylation in 5-methylcytosine (5mC)-immunostained canine mammary tumor samples and established histopathological and clinical correlations. A total of 91 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded mammary tumor samples from female dogs were retrospectively selected and subjected to immunohistochemistry using an anti-5mC mouse monoclonal antibody. We evaluated 5mC+ stained nuclei of neoplastic epithelial cells in canine mammary glands to obtain semiquantitative histoscores based on staining intensity. Survival rates were estimated based on owners' or veterinary records. Histological samples comprised 28 and 63 benign and malignant canine mammary gland tumors, respectively. Results revealed significant differences between global DNA methylation patterns when mammary samples were categorized as benign or malignant (= 0.024), with hypomethylated patterns more prevalent in malignant tumors and those with higher relapse behavior (= 0.011). Of note, large diameter (>5 cm) tumors revealed a lower methylation pattern (= 0.028). Additionally, we found non-statistically significant differences when tumors were grouped by histopathological characteristics, clinical parameters, or survival. These findings propose global DNA methylation assessment as a promising tool for detecting canine mammary tumors with relapse propensity.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33718471/