Hepatocyte Growth Factor: A Potential Tumor Biomarker for Diagnosis of Fibrosis and Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Abstract Objective: Improving the prognosis and reducing the prevalence and economic burden of fibrosis and early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be achieved through the assessment of a potential serum-based biomarker diagnosis, Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF). By utilizing this biomarker, disease management can be enhanced, leading to early detection and better outcomes, thereby mitigating the risk of premature death. Methods: we conducted an evaluation of HGF serum levels using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. The study involved a population of 176 selected patients, out of which 79 patients met the study criteria. This included 45 patients diagnosed with fibrosis and 34 patients diagnosed with early HCC. Additionally, we collected 10 serum samples from healthy individuals to serve as the control group for comparison purposes. Inclusion Criteria: In our study, we enrolled patients who tested positive for the hepatitis C antibody and presented with concurrent fibrosis and early-stage HCC. This selection criteria ensured that our research focused on individuals with these specific medical conditions, allowing us to explore their relationship and implications further. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with any other liver complications like cholangiocarcinoma, lipoma, and hemangioma were all excluded from this study. Results: The optical density and concentration levels of HGF were measured in the serum of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), including those diagnosed with fibrosis and early-stage HCC. The observed range for HGF concentration in these patients was 1.2474 to 3175.769877 pg/mL, with a mean value of 1.263 ± 0.07632. In contrast, the control group exhibited HGF concentration ranging from 0.3235 to 728 pg/mL, with a mean value of 0.3629 ± 0.04824. Conclusion: Innumerable studies have investigated various biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of fibrosis and early-stage HCC. However, no single biomarker has emerged as the optimal choice for early detection of both conditions. AFP, commonly utilized as a liver cancer biomarker, exhibits limited value as it is absent in approximately 30% of cases, particularly in early stages. The present study on fibrosis and HCC suggests that HGF shows promise as a potential biomarker for early-stage diagnosis when combined with AFP. Based on the current findings, it is reasonable to propose that HGF can serve as a valuable diagnostic tools for fibrosis and early-stage HCC, thereby facilitating more effective treatment options.