Association between Epidermal Growth Factor ‎‎+61A/G (rs4444903) Gene Polymorphism with ‎Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic ‎Hepatitis C Patients

Abstract

Background and study aim: The most frequent type of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unfortunately, HCC is only diagnosed when the cancer has advanced considerably. So, comprehensive HCC screening using molecular markers is critical for early identification. However, there are few researches that have studied the link between HCC and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) gene polymorphism. The goal of this study was to look into the link between the EGF +61A/G (rs4444903) gene polymorphism and HCC incidence in cirrhotic hepatitis C patients. Patients and Methods:The study involved 90 people, including 60 cirrhotic patients with HCV who were further separated into 30 HCC patients and 30 non-HCC patients, as well as 30 seemingly healthy age and sex-matched controls. A Qiagen DNA extraction kit was used to extract DNA from blood samples. The genotyping of EGF 61A > G polymorphisms was carried out using the fluorogenic 5'-nuclease test in accordance with allele-specific primers, and SNP rs444903 was detected using the TaqMan Genotyping Assay Applied Biosystems ThermoFischer kit. Results:In comparison to the control group, HCC (p= 0.003) and non-HCC (p= 0.027) patients had a statistically significant increase in EGF G allele expression. Furthermore, those with the GG genotype were also more likely to develop HCC than those with other genotypes (AG, AA). Conclusion:Identification of EGF gene polymorphism can be a promising screening tool for predicting HCC development in cirrhotic HCV patients. Subsequently, understanding this can potentially offer better preventive and therapeutic strategies according to the individual patient.