Evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of serum calcium channel α2δ1 subunit in hepatocellular carcinoma-related cirrhosis

Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the commonest malignancies worldwide that carries a bad prognosis particularly in Egypt due to the high prevalence of HCV burden. Late diagnosis of HCC especially in cirrhosis suffering-liver is one of the causes that worsen HCC outcome. Identification of molecular pathways of HCC will open the gate for early diagnosis and effective management. Oscillation of calcium controlled by the α2δ1 subunit has been proposed as one of the mechanisms in tumor-initiating cell properties of HCC. In this study, we aim to evaluate the serum α2δ1 subunit level as a biological marker for HCC. A total of 90 participants were enrolled, 40 patients with HCC, 40 patients with cirrhosis, and 10 healthy volunteers; serum level of α2δ1 was assessed in all participants with ELISA Results: The mean serum levels of α2δ1 were significantly higher in HCC group (19.53 ± 6.87 ng/dL) than cirrhotic (6.24 ± 2.64 ng/dL) and control groups (0.67 ± 0.48 ng/dL) (P = 0.001). There was no significance between α2δ1 and etiology of liver disease as viral (HCV, HBV) or non-viral (P = 0.14). Conclusion: α2δ1 subunit may serve as a potential non-invasive marker with excellent sensitivity for diagnosis of HCC regardless of the etiology of liver disease.

Serum Calcium Channel Alpha2 Delta1 α2δ1 Subunit as a Diagnostic and a Predictive Marker of Therapeutic Ablation Outcome for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Hepatitis C Patients

“…In agreement of our results the study done by Ahmed, et al [28] which reported that "the serum levels of α2δ1 subunit were significantly different across all 3 groups (P < 0.001) with the highest value in HCC group (mean = 19.53 ± 6.87 ng/ dl), then the cirrhotic group (mean = 6.24 ± 2.64 ng/dl) and the least value in control group (mean = 0.67 ± 0.48 ng/dl)".…”

“…Ahmed, et al [28] found that "serum α2/δ1subunit has a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 80% at a level of ≥ 8.75 ng/dl with PPV of 82.6%, NPV of 94.1%, and accuracy of 87.5%, they demonstrated a higher level that gives more specificity of α2δ1 subunit was that at a cut-off of 12 ng/dl; sensitivity and specificity were 85% and 100%, respectively, with 100% PPV, 87% NPV, and 92.5% accuracy".…”