Author/Authors :
Lopes Baitello, Maria Eduarda Research Centre for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Medical School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Brazil , Domitila Tenani, Graciele Research Centre for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Medical School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Brazil , Ferreira, Rafael Fernandes Research Centre for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Medical School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Brazil , Nogueira, Victor Research Centre for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Medical School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Brazil , de Souza Pinhel, Marcela Augusta Research Centre for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Medical School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Brazil , Alves da Silva, Rita de Cássia Martins Hepatology Unit - HB University Medical Centre - FUNFARME/FAMERP, Brazil , Ferreira da Silva,2 Renato Liver Transplantation Unit - HB University Medical Centre - FUNFARME/FAMERP, Brazil , da Silva Fucuta, Patrícia Hepatology Unit - HB University Medical Centre - FUNFARME/FAMERP, Brazil , Fernandes de Godoy, Moacir Research Centre for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Medical School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Brazil , Silva Souza, Dorotéia Rossi Research Centre for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Medical School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Brazil
Abstract :
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary neoplasia of the liver. Major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma include chronic liver diseases, carcinogenic agents, and genetic alterations as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) involved in angiogenesis process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of VEGF-A (C936T and A1154G) with HCC and cirrhosis, in addition to serum levels of VEGF, clinical profile, lifestyle habits, and comorbidities. A total of 346 individuals were studied: 102 with HCC (G1), 117 with cirrhosis (G2), and 127 controls (G3). Polymorphisms were analysed by PCR/RFLP and serum levels of VEGF by ELISA. Alpha error was set at 5%. The wild-type genotype of both polymorphisms prevailed (P > 0.05). In G1, 23% of the patients died, with no relation to genetic profile (P > 0.05). Increased VEGF level was observed in G1 and G3, related to the mutant allele of VEGF-C936T and VEGF-A1154G, respectively, and compared with the wild-type genotype (P = 0.0285; P = 0.0284, resp.) as well as G1 versus G2 and G3 for VEGF-C936T and G1 versus G2 for VEGF-A1154G (P < 0.05 for both). In conclusion, there is a relationship between mutant alleles of VEGF-C936T and VEGF-A1154G polymorphisms and higher VEGF level, making them potential markers for HCC.
Keywords :
VEGF Polymorphisms , Higher Serum Levels , Protein Identify , Hepatocellular Carcinoma
