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Corresponding Author

MOHAMED, MAHMOUD

Document Type

Original Article

Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies worldwide and one of the main causes of cancer-related mortality globally. Its incidence is increasing at alarming rates. The presence of cirrhosis is the major risk factor and this is largely due to chronic HCV and HBV infection. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has insufficient sensitivity and specificity for detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aberrant hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes e.g(RASSF1A ) is one of the most frequent and early mechanisms involved in HCC development, so that it could help to select high-risk populations and thus to modulate the indications of screening procedures. Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of tumor suppressor gene RASSF1A hypermethylation in whole blood from HCC patients Methods: The study included eighty subjects : 30 patients with HCC and elevated AFP. ; 30 with liver cirrhosis In addition, 20 healthy subjects were included as a control group. Clinical and radiological features (abdominal ultrasonography and/or abdominal triphasic computed tomography) were recorded. Liver function tests, complete blood cell count, and serum AFP were measured.. Detection of promotor methylation status of RASSF1A using methylation specific PCR . Results: The obtained results showed a significant RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation in HCC subjects that was 83.3% in comparison to healthy control subjects as well as in comparison to subjects with non HCC chronic liver disease. Conclusion:.Detection of methylated RASSF1A promoter is useful marker for HCC screening in high risk vulnerable patients and early HCC diagnosis.

Keywords

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); RASSF1A; Epigenitics; Hypermethylation; Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)

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