Heat shock proteins as diagnostic markers for hepatocellular carcinoma: a novel approach

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor of the liver. Heat shock proteins play their part in response to cellular stress. They are overexpressed in many forms of cancers where they shield malignant cells from stressful environment thus contributing to poor prognosis and treatment resistance. HSP 27, a heat shock protein mostly associated with Hepatitis induced hepatocellular cancer, inhibits apoptosis and HSP 70 along with HSP 90 contributes to tumor metastasis. HSP 70 count is higher in tumor cells in comparison with normal cells and it is related to tumor size, stage and vessel invasion while HSP 20 count regresses as tumor progresses. Considering all these factors, differentiation of HCC from other liver pathologies becomes much easier at an early stage. Early diagnosis of HCC is important and timely and prompt treatment can decrease the mortality associated with HCC. On the grounds of many useful characteristics like early detection and accuracy in detailing of size, invasion and metastasis of tumor our Review suggests that along with it all HSPs also have therapeutic potential as targeting the specific markers can help patients diagnosed with HCC. HSPs are the innovation from diagnosis to management to cure of HCC. Extensive research exploring Heat Shock Proteins and Hepatocellular Carcinoma was done on search engines such as Science Direct, OVID, Google Scholar, PubMed, and MEDLINE. Articles published in languages other than English were also considered. Data that were solely published in conference or meeting proceedings, websites, or books were not included.