GPX3 methylation is associated with hematologic improvement in low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome patients treated with Pai-Neng-Da

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was to explore the relationship between GPX3 methylation and Pai-Neng-Da (PND) in the treatment of patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). METHODS: There were 82 low-risk MDS patients who were randomly divided into the following two groups: androl, thalidomide, and PND capsule (ATP group, n = 41); or androl and thalidomide (AT group, n = 41). Hemoglobin and neutrophil and platelet counts and changes in GPX3 methylation level were assessed. RESULTS: The plasma hemoglobin level increased in both groups after treatment. However, the platelet count increased only in the ATP group. Patients in the ATP group had a better platelet response than the AT group, and GPX3 methylation markedly decreased after treatment with ATP but not after treatment with AT. Moreover, male patients had a significantly lower GPX3 methylation level than female patients, while platelet counts from male patients increased dramatically after the ATP regimens compared with female patients. GPX3 methylation changes were negatively correlated with platelet changes in ATP group. CONCLUSION: PND can improve hematological parameters and decrease the GPX3 methylation level. Decreasing GPX3 methylation is associated with the hematologic response that includes platelet in GPX3 methylation. China Clinical Trial Bureau (ChiCTR; http://www.chictr.org.cn/) registration number: ChiCTR-IOR-15006635.