Investigation of genetic/epigenetic differences in multiple myeloma patients with bone marrow transplant and comparison with clinical parameters

The suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1) functions to induce an appropriate immune response and is an essential physiological regulator of interferon signaling. DNA methylation involves the addition of a methyl group to the carbon 5 position of cytosine. In this study, besides comparing SOCS-1 gene hypermethylation between patients with MM and healthy controls, it was aimed to demonstrate the effect of SOCS-1 gene distribution and additionally, the effect of hypermethylation of SOCS-1 on progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival. In this study, 120 patients diagnosed with MM and 80 healthy individuals were included. The distribution of the SOCS-1 genotypes was statistically compared between patients and healthy controls. Additionally, the statistically significant effects of these genotypes on survival were examined. CA/CA genotype of SOCS-1 was found to be statistically significantly higher in healthy controls (p=0,001), while Del/Del genotype was significantly higher in patients with MM (p=0,034). The percent methylated reference (PMR) value of the SOCS-1 gene was found to be significantly higher in the healthy controls (median: 43,48, range: 2,76-247,75; p=0,001). Patients with a PMR value of <43,48 had a significantly longer PFS (for <43,48 %56, for ≥43,48 %43; p=0,027). The effects of SOCS-1 polymorphisms on the pathogenesis of MM and SOCS-1 methylation will shed light on the literature. Keywords: Multiple myeloma, SOCS-1, DNA methylation, survival, PCR-RFLP.