EGFR Mutation and FHIT Methylation: Inverse Relationship in Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma and Tuberculosis

Objective: To investigate the genetic correlations between epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation and FHIT methylation in patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma (AC) and pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Methods: The presence of EGFR mutations and the methylation status of the FHIT gene in patients presenting with AC and TB were analyzed. The correlation between TB status and the observed genetic and epigenetic variations was also examined. Results: Among the 90 patients included in the study, 38 exhibited EGFR mutations (14 among those with TB and 24 among those without TB), while 29 exhibited FHIT myelination (19 among those with TB and 10 among those without TB). Furthermore, the protein expression levels of EGFR and FHIT were significantly higher in patients diagnosed solely with AC compared to those presenting with both AC and TB. A robust inverse correlation was identified between TB status and the frequency of EGFR mutation (P < 0.001). Moreover, significant associations were observed between TB status and FHIT methylation (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The findings suggest a correlation between TB and the prevalence of EGFR mutation and FHIT methylation in the pathogenesis of AC.