Genetic and biochemical markers for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most aggressive form of liver cancer. Risk factors for HCC include hepatitis C virus (HCV) and B (HBV), alcoholic cirrhosis, prolonged exposure to aflatoxin, inherited metabolic diseases, and genetic changes that can affect various cellular pathways. In this case, we highlight genes associated with the carcinogenic process in different populations. Objectives- To analyze the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), alfa fetoprotein, Cystatin B and beta Catenin genes in liver tissue of patients with cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma; to analyze the association of VEGF, alfa fetoprotein, Cystatin B and beta Catenin serum levels and their genetic variants in patients with HCC cirrhosis, HCV and controls; to analyze the odds ratio for HCC, with respect to clinical, genetic and biochemical studies in different groups. Methods- 400 subjects will be selected, regardless of gender, ethnicity and age in four groups. Group 1 - 100 individuals diagnosed with HCC, Group 2 - 100 individuals diagnosed with cirrhosis of any etiology, Group 3- 100 individuals diagnosed with HCV, Group 4 to 100 control subjects without clinical and biochemical signs of HCC. The analyzes of polymorphisms and gene expression will be performed by polymerase chain reaction in real time (PCR-RT). The biochemical determinations will be made by the method of Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and ELISA. Statistical analysis will include the Fisher test, t Student and multivariate regression with a significance level P <0.05. (AU)