MicroRNA 122 as adiagnostic biomarker for hepatitis C- related hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Aim: To explore the potential usefulness of serum microRNA (miR-122) as non-invasive diagnostic marker for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: The study has been conducted on 100 participants and were divided into 4 equal groups: Group I; Twenty five normal, healthy individuals' age and gender-matched healthy volunteers (control group). Group II; Twenty five chronic HCV patients without cirrhosis. Group III; Twenty five HCV related cirrhosis without HCC. Group IV; Twenty five HCV-related HCC (proved radiologically by abdominal ultrasonography (US) & Triphasic abdominal computed tomography (CT). All participants underwent full clinical assessment and laboratory investigations in addition to the evaluation of the level of serum miR-122 by RT-PCR. Results: microRNA-122 displayed significant fold increase in expression level in chronic hepatitis group (9.85), and less significant fold increase in cirrhosis group (3.73) and significant fold increase in expression level in HCC group (7.46). Comparing serum miR-122 expression level between different studied groups displayed that, No significant fold change in miR-122 expression was found between different groups and that miRNA122 had no significant up-regulation in HCC patients in comparison to non-HCC patients (Hepatitis and Cirrhosis); (P value = 0.682). Specificity & sensitivity was 94% & 16% respectively, with AUROC (0.529). Conclusion: miR-122 could not be used as a biomarker for early detection of HCC in HCV related cirrhosis.