Change of HMGB1 expression before and after TACE in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and its effect on prognosis

Abstract

Objective To observe the change of high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before and after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and its effect on prognosis. Methods A total of 68 HCC patients only with TACE treatment were selected as the research objects from June 2012 to June 2014 in Shandong Tumor Hospital. The serum levels of HMGB1 of all the patients were detected 1 day before TACE and 1 month after TACE. The change of HMGB1 expression before and after TACE was analyzed. According to the reference data, the patients were divided into the high-expression group (≥17.5 ng/ml) and the low-expression group (<17.5 ng/ml). The short-term efficacy of the two groups of patients and their survival time were compared. Results The pre-operative HMGB1 level of patients was (40.6±13.6)ng/ml, and the 1-month postoperative HMGB1 level was (20.1±6.9)ng/ml, and the difference was statistically significant (t=4.22, P=0.040). The effective rate in patients with low HMGB1 expression after TACE was 65.00%, and 39.29% in patients with high HMGB1 expression, with a significant difference (χ2=4.390, P=0.036). The 1, 2, and 3 year survival rates of low HMGB1 expression group were 77.50%, 50.00% and 27.50%, respectively, which were significantly higher than high HMGB1 expression group (57.14%, 21.43% and 7.14%), with a significant difference (χ2=8.301, P=0.040). Conclusion TACE can reduce the HMGB1 expression level in serum of patiens with HCC. The patients with low expression of HMGB1 have the better short-term efficacy and the longer survival time. Key words: Liver neoplasms; Prognosis; High mobility group box-1; Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization