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Usefulness of Circulating Methylated p16 as a Noninvasive Molecular Biomarker for Hepatitis C-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Normal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels

Research Abstract

Background: Screening of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is challenged especially in patients with normal alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Aberrant p16 methylation has been implicated in HCC. Objectives and Aims: This study aimed to assess serum methylated p16 (MP16) expression levels and to evaluate MP16 diagnostic performance in HCC detection among HCVinfected Egyptian patients with normal AFP levels. Methods: MP16 levels were quantified using real-time PCR in 230 serum samples (30 healthy controls, 95 with HCV-HCC, 40 with chronic hepatitis C “CHC” and 65 with HCV cirrhosis). Diagnostic performance of MP16 for diagnosis of HCC was done using receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. Results: Serum MP16 levels were significantly higher in HCC than CHC, cirrhosis, and healthy subjects and significantly higher in HCC with normal AFP levels than those with higher AFP. ROC curves revealed promising diagnostic performance for MP16 in dis-criminating HCC with normal AFP levels from non-HCC cases. This predictive ability improved by combining MP16 and AFP (AUC of 0.872 with 100% sensitivity, 76.5% specificity, 79.1% positive predictive value, 100% negative predictive value, and 87.5% accuracy). Conclusion: MP16 can be a potential noninvasive molecular biomarker for HCC detection in patients with hepatic mass(es) and normal AFP levels especially in those where liver biopsy and radiological imaging cannot be done. Keywords: methylated p16, hepatitis C virus, hepatocellular carcinoma, alpha-fetoprotein, quantitative real-time PCR

Research Authors
Elsewify, Wael Abd Elgwad; Hassan, Elham Ahmed; Mekky, Mohamed A.; Abd El-Rehim, Abeer Sharaf El-Din; Sayed, Zain El-Abdeen Ahmed; Malek, Mohamed Omar Abdel; ElMelegy, Tarek T. H.; Sabry, Abeer
Research Date
Research Journal
International Journal of General Medicine
Research Pages
147–155
Research Publisher
Dovepress
Research Rank
Q2
Research Vol
13
Research Website
DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S249272
Research Year
2020

Efficacy of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction cells in the management of chronic ulcers: a randomized clinical trial

Research Abstract

Background: Cell therapy is a promising method for improving healing in chronic ulcers through delivery of isolated adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction. Objectives: This study investigates the autologous stem cell yield of adipose tissue and its efficacy in chronic ulcers compared with conventional methods. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial. After the study design and protocol were established and ethical committee approval was obtained, we enrolled 100 patients divided into study and control groups. In the study group, we performed debridement and autologous stem cell injection every 3 weeks. The control group was treated with debridement and conventional dressing. Assessments included clinical and histological parameters. Results: The study group showed improved healing. Conclusion: Using autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction cells is an effective treatment method for chronic ulcers.

Research Authors
Emil Tanios, Tohamy M Ahmed, Engy A Shafik, Mahmoud Farouk Sherif, Douaa Sayed, Noha Gaber & Youssef Hassan
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Research Vol
VOL. 16, NO. 11
Research Year
2021
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