Role of MicroRNAs (224 and 96) as Novel Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Background:: In the early stages of HCC, it is unsatisfactory to depend on alpha-fetoprotein for diagnosis. Objective:: The current study evaluated the possibility of the two miRNAs which are miRNA-96 and miRNA-224 to act as biomarkers for HCC diagnosis. Methods:: This study included 50 patients with HCV-induced HCC and 50 patients with HCV-induced liver cirrhosis for comparison as well as 67 healthy volunteers as controls. All participants were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations as well as quantification of serum miRNA-96 and miRNA-224 by real-time quantitative PCR. Results:: MicroRNA 224 level was significantly higher in HCC than the other two groups and was significantly higher in liver cirrhosis than the control group. MicroRNA 96 level was higher in HCC than the control group and was higher in cirrhotic group than both HCC and control groups. However, it doesn’t reach the statistical significance level. The best cut-off value of microRNA 96 for detecting HCC was 3.414 with a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 67%, (p-value <0.001). The best cut-off value of microRNA 224 for detecting HCC was 16.75 with a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 85% (p-value<0.001). Conclusion:: miRNA-224 could serve as a biomarker for the HCC diagnosis.