DNA methyltransferase genes polymorphisms are associated with primary knee osteoarthritis: a matched case–control study

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism involved in the development of primary osteoarthritis (OA). The association between DNA methyltransferases ( DNMTs ) genes polymorphisms and diseases in which DNA methylation plays a role in their pathogenesis has been described (e.g., cancer); however, its relationship with OA has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between DNMT1 , DNMT3A , and DNMT3B polymorphisms with radiologic primary knee OA in Mexican mestizo population. A matched case–control study was conducted (ratio, 1:1). Cases included 244 subjects with definite radiographic knee OA (grade ≥ 2). Controls were matched by age and gender and were subjects with no definite radiographic knee OA/normal (grade