Assessment of miR-21 and miR-122 gene expression and AFP, DCP, and GPC3 protein levels as diagnostic biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma

Authors

  • Dr. Ahlam Hameed Majeed /Department of Forensic Science, College of Science, University of Wasit, Al- Kut City, Iraq .
  • (Assistant lecture) Reyam Moeen Abed / Department of Forensic Science, College of Science, University of Wasit, Al- Kut City, Iraq
  • Dr. Lina Mussa Kadhim /Department of Pathological Analysis, College of Science, University of Wasit, Al- Kut City, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31185/bsj.Vol23.Iss46.1876

Keywords:

: Hepatocellular carcinoma, diagnostic biomarkers, miR-122, and miR-21.

Abstract

The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which typically occurs in people with chronic liver disease caused by infection with hepatitis viruses or cirrhosis. Diagnostic issues of HCC and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy are large challenges. The aim of this study is to explore the clinical significance of AFP, DCP, GPC3, miR-21, and miR-122 in early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their role in monitoring therapeutic responses. A total of 180 participants were selected and divided into three groups; treated HCC patients (60 persons), untreated HCC patients (60 persons) and healthy controls (60 persons). AFP, DCP, and GPC3 were quantified in the serum by ELISA method and the expression of miR-21 and miR-122 by q-RT-PCR. Results showed that miRNA-21, AFP, DCP, and GPC3 were significantly higher in HCC patients, and miR-122 was significantly lower in HCC patients compared to controls. The outcomes also demonstrate that the treated group differs noticeably from the untreated group. Results suggest that miRNA-21, miR-122, AFP, DCP, and GPC3 could be important biomarkers for the diagnosis of HCC and evaluation of response to therapy.

References

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Published

2026-09-01

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