Reduced mRNA abundance of the main enzymes involved in methionine metabolism in human liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract Background/Aims: It has been known for at least 50 years that alterations in methionine metabolism occur in human liver cirrhosis. However, the molecular basis of this alteration is not completely understood. In order to gain more insight into the mechanisms behind this condition, mRNA levels of methionine adenosyltransferase ( MAT1A ), glycine methyltransferase ( GNMT ), methionine synthase ( MS ), betaine homocysteine methyltransferase ( BHMT ) and cystathionine β-synthase ( CBS ) were examined in 26 cirrhotic livers, five hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and ten control livers. Methods: The expression of the above-mentioned genes was determined by quantitative RT-PCR analy…