|
|
YKL-40 expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma: a potential biomarker? |
Xin-Qiang Xiao, Tarek Hassanein, Qun-Fang Li, Wei Liu, Yu-Huang Zheng and Jun Chen |
Changsha, China
Author Affiliations: Liver Diseases Center (Xiao XQ, Li QF, Zheng YH and Chen J), Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery (Liu W), Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; Liver Center, Hillcrest Medical Center, University of California at San Diego, CA 92103, USA (Hassanein T)
Corresponding Author: Jun Chen, MD, Liver Diseases Center, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China (Tel: 86-731-85599556; Fax: 86-731-85292173; Email: drchenjun@yahoo.com.cn) |
|
|
Abstract BACKGROUND: YKL-40 is a new biomarker with diagnostic value in many different cancers. Whether it may serve as a biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unclear. This study aimed to examine the expression of YKL-40 in the serum and liver tissues of HCC patients and in HCC cell lines, in comparison with that in non-HCC liver disease patients and non-tumor hepatic cell lines, respectively.
METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect YKL-40 protein expression in liver biopsy specimens from 8 HCC patients. ELISA was used to assess the serum YKL-40 level in 90 HCC patients, 90 inactive HBsAg carrier (IHC) patients with normal liver functions, and 90 liver cirrhosis patients. Real-time PCR was used to determine the YKL-40 mRNA expression in three HCC cell lines and two non-tumor hepatic cell lines.
RESULTS: Immunohistochemical staining of liver biopsy specimens from HCC patients showed that the YKL-40 protein expression in tumor tissue was higher than that in adjacent normal tissues. ELISA revealed that the YKL-40 serum level in the HCC group was significantly higher than that in the IHC group, but not significantly different from that in the cirrhosis group. Real-time PCR showed that YKL-40 mRNA levels in HCC cell lines were significantly higher than those in non-tumor hepatic cells.
CONCLUSIONS: YKL-40 is highly expressed in HCC at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels. However, it may not serve as a serum biomarker for HCC because measurement of the serum YKL-40 level cannot distinguish HCC from cirrhosis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|