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MicroRNAs (miRNA) are endogenous noncoding small RNAs that regulate the activity of mRNAs. Many miRNA genes, including let-7a-3, are located in CpG islands, suggesting possible epigenetic regulation of their expression. Promoter CpG island methylation of tumor suppressor genes is involved in cancer development and progression. Using real-time methylation-specific PCR and real-time reverse transcription-PCR, we analyzed DNA methylation in the let-7a-3 gene and miRNA expression of let-7a in 214 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer to assess the effect of let-7a-3 methylation on the expressions of let-7a as well as a possible target of let-7 regulation, insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II). The association of let-7a-3 methylation with patient survival outcomes was also evaluated. let-7a-3 methylation was detected in epithelial ovarian cancer, and the expression of let-7a was slightly affected by the …