Relation between microRNAs and Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relation between serum microRNAs and apoptotic markers as regards development of HCC to understand the underlying mechanism of HCV related hepatocarcinogenesis.


METHODS
A total of 65 serum samples (25 samples from controls, 20 samples from hepatitis and 20 samples from HCC patients) were collected for miRNAs (mir 21, mir 199-a, and mir 155) detection. Human Programmed cell death protein-4 (PDCD-4) and Human Cytochrome-C (CYT-C) were determined.


RESULTS
miRNAs 21 and 155 were over expressed in sera of patients with HCC compared to patients with chronic hepatitis (p < 0.0001). While serum means values of miR 199a was significantly decreased among HCC group patients when compared to patients with chronic hepatitis (p < 0.0001). The serum levels of PCDC4 and CYTC were increased in patients with HCC when compared to chronic hepatitis patients. They were also increased in patients with chronic hepatitis when compared to controls (p < 0.05, significant). There was direct correlations between apoptotic markers and oncomirs miRNAs 21 and 155 while apoptotic markers were inversely correlated with miRNA 199-a.


CONCLUSIONS
Both microRNAs and apoptotic markers have roles in HCC pathogenesis. It seems that oncogenic microRNAs induce liver carcinogenesis in HCV patients irrespective of suppression of apoptosis.
Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Refaat R
RR
Kamel
Medical Molecular Genetics Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt.
Khalda Said
KS
Amr
Biochemistry Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.
Mie
M
Afify
Internal Medicine Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.
Yasser A
YA
Elhosary
Surgery Department, Elsahel Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt.
Abdelfattah E
AE
Hegazy
Anesthesia Department, Elsahel Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt.
Hoda H
HH
Fahim
Internal Medicine Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.
Wafaa M
WM
Ezzat
HCC; HCV; apoptosis; microRNAs; pathogenesis