P53 and endoglin, two biomarkers for predicting HBV and hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients

Abstract

Background: liver biopsy is considered the golden standard for the investigation of fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, liver biopsy is costly and may lead to medical complications in some cases. Therefore, the search for non-invasive biomarkers is a good alternative. Aim: the present study aims to analyse the interactive role of serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP), soluble endoglin and p53 in diagnosis of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV), and early stage HCC. Patients and methods: This study included 56 patients, divided into three groups. Group I: Composed of 18 healthy controls. Group II: included 13 chronic HBV. Group III: included 25 newly diagnosed, stage II HCC. Viral markers, liver function tests, blood sugar level, kidney function tests and AFP were assessed using standard methods. Serum levels of p53 and soluble endoglin were determined using ELISA kits. Results: Group II showed normal liver functions except for higher total protein and albumin mean levels, whereas group III revealed significantly higher ALT, AST, ALP, total and direct bilirubin. The mean AFP serum levels were significantly increased in groups II and III in relation to the control group in an ascending order. The mean value of soluble endoglin was significantly altered in group II and III compared to that of control group. Only group III showed a significant increases in p53 level compared to control group. Conclusion: the results showed that p53 and endoglin are potential biomarkers that can help in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma when used in addition to AFP.