DNA methylation is critical for the normal development and functioning of the human brain, such as the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells, synaptic plasticity, neuronal reparation, learning, and memory. Despite the physical stability of DNA and methylated DNA compared to other epigenetic modifications, some DNA methylation-based biomarkers have translated into clinical practice. Increasing reports indicate a strong association between DNA methylation profiles and various clinical outcomes in neurological diseases, making DNA methylation profiles valuable as novel clinical markers. In this review, we aim to discuss the latest evidence concerning DNA methylation alterations in the development of neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and neuropsychiatric diseases. We also highlighted the relationship of DNA methylation alterations with the disease progression and outcome in many neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, and autism.
Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common types of cancer, especially in Asia. Esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) is the most important histological subtype of EC, which accounts for 90% of all EC cases worldwide. ESCC is highly prevalent in Turkey, Iran, Kazakhstan and northern and central parts of China. Selenium is an essential micronutrient that is required for cellular functioning and synthesis of several selenoproteins. It also modulates the antioxidant defense system, cell cycle and apoptosis. This article reviews the most important molecular mechanisms of EC and investigates the association between selenium level and incidence of EC in high-risk areas.
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