Latent Transforming Growth Factor-beta Binding Protein-1 as a Diagnostic Biomarker for the Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver cancer and a leading cause of cancerrelated death worldwide. The current study aims to evaluate the diagnostic role of latent transforming growth factorbeta binding protein-1 (LTBP-1) as a biomarker to distinguish hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods: The study carried out on 90 individuals classified to healthy individuals (n=20), liver cirrhosis (n=30), and HCC (n=40). The serum level of LTBP-1 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated. Results: The level of LTBP-1 was significantly higher in HCC patients than healthy and patients with cirrhosis. Furthermore, there was a significant (p<0.001) association between the level of LTBP-1 and CLIP and BCLC in HCC patients. Moreover, LTBP-1 levels were significantly (p=0.01) associated to child pugh grade in patients with cirrhosis and HCC. ROC curve analyses revealed that LTBP-1 showed a better diagnostic performance (AUC=0.970, Sensitivity: 82.50%, Specificity: 96.67%, PPV: 97.06%, NPV: 80.56%) in distinguishing HCC from cirrhosis patients, compared to AFP (AUC=0.810, Sensitivity: 62.50%, Specificity: 93.33%, PPV: 92.59%, NPV: 65.12%). Conclusion: These findings suggested that LTBP-1 may be a promising biomarker for distinguish HCC from liver cirrhosis patients.