Plasma MicroRNA for Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Plasma Expression Levels of MicroRNA-21 Might Help for Detection of HCV Patients Complicated by Hepatocellular Carcinoma

100 patients with diagnosed HCV were evaluated by clinical and ultrasound examination and were categorized as uncomplicated HCV (n=22) and complicated HCV (n=78). All patients were evaluated for hepatosteatosis and liver fibrosis using the computerized hepatorenal index, the hepatic steatosis index, aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/platelet count index (APRI) and the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) scores. Blood samples were obtained for estimation of serum levels of liver function tests and plasma levels of microRNA 21 and 126.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Complicated hepatitis C by HCC
• Complicated hepatitis C by liver cirrhosis
• Complicated hepatitis C by steatohepatitis
• uncomplicated hepatitis C

Exclusion Criteria:

• pre-portal fibrosis secondary to previous bilharzial disease
• pre-portal fibrosis secondary to alcoholic fatty liver
• The presence of hepatic malignancy other than HCC
• decompensated cirrhosis
• hepatorenal failure
• hepatic manifestations of congestive heart failure.