The Role of Serum micro RNA (hsa-miR-519d) And the Associated Target Gene (SQSTM1) As Diagnostic Biological Molecular Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. The mortality of liver cancer worldwide is ranked as fourth between other cancer causes in males and females. In Egypt, it is a major problem due to the high prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus infection. The occurrence and progression of HCC depends on many risk factors, but the main and most important risk is liver cirrhosis of any cause followed by hepatitis B, C, obesity, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and aflatoxin. The surveillance programs and diagnostic testing modalities for HCC in all guidelines depends on the radiological methods. The main serum biomarker used nowadays is the AFP although it has unfavorable sensitivity and specificity and its role is limited to screening. These were the main reasons that led researchers to look for new modalities of testing to diagnose HCC in early stages where radical treatment options can take the upper hand. MicroRNAs are considered from the short non-coding RNAs. It can control the genetic material by affecting the mRNA of the gene at the post-transcriptional level or even affect the gene itself at the transcriptional level. It was also discovered that microRNA can stimulate (up-regulate) or inhibit (down-regulate) the target genes.