Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase m.RNA as a novel marker for hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Aim of work:to determine the value of serum human telomerase reverse transcriptase m.RNA (hTERT mRNA) as a novel marker for hepatocellular carcinoma, its relation to the size and number of the lesions & its relation to Child classification. Method :This study was conducted on 50 patients from outpatient clinic and inpatients of internal medicine department Ain Shams University in the period from 2014 -2015.The study subjects divided into three groups:Group (1): Included 20 patients of liver cirrhosis with proved Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC).Group (2): Included 20 patients of liver cirrhosis (without hepatocellular carcinoma). Group (3): Included 10 apparently healthy individuals as control group.For all of them assay level of serum human telomerase reverse transcriptase m.RNA by using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was done. Results: the study found that the serum level of hTERT mRNA is significantly higher in patient group with HCC than its level in patient group with cirrhotic liver and the normal control group and can be used as a maker for HCC. Key words Hepatocellular carcinoma , hTERT mRNA, tumor marker for HCC