The Significance of Circulating Micro RNA-122 as a Non Invasive Diagnostic Marker of Liver Injury in Egyptian Chronic Hepatitis C virus Infected and Cirrhotic Patients with and without Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that have the ability to regulate gene expression by targeting mRNA degradation or translational repression. miRNAs regulate HCV life cycle either by supporting viral replication or by inhibiting interferon signaling pathway. Purpose: This work was carried out to evaluate the expression level of (miRNA-122) as a non invasive diagnostic marker of liver injury in Egyptian chronic hepatitis C virus infected and cirrhotic patients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on 35 Chronic HCV infected and cirrhotic patients. Patients divided into two groups: Group I comprised 20 patients with cirrhosis, group II comprised 15 patients with HCC. Both groups were compared to 15 (age and sex matched) healthy persons (group III). Patients and control were subjected to detailed history taking, clinical examination, abdominal ultrasonogaphy, CT and Liver biopsy when needed for HCC cases. Laboratory investigation including complete blood picture, Liver function tests, and viral hepatitis markers, serum AFP and Expression levels of Micro RNA-122 in whole blood using Real Time quantitative polymerase chain reaction method (RT-PCR) were determined. Results: Mean expression level of miRNA-122 was significantly higher in both patient groups (I and II) as compared to control group (III) (p<0.001) for each, Patients with HCC showed non significant higher expression level of miRNA-122 as compared to cases with cirrhosis alone. Furthermore, expression levels of Micro RNA-122 was positively correlated with ALT, AST, and Alkaline phosphatse in both patient groups and negatively correlated with prothrombin concentration in both patients groups. While Micro RNA-122 not correlated with total bilirubin, Serum Albumin, and platelets count, or AFP serum level. Conclusion: The study concluded that there was increased expression of miRNA-122 in Egyptian chronic hepatitis C virus (CHCV) infected and cirrhotic patients with and without HCC. Micro RNA 122 can be used as novel biomarkers for liver injury but not specifically for HCC. We recommend further studies on large scale to evaluate the diagnostic, prognostic value of miRNA 122 and to evaluate anti-miRNA 122 as a therapeutic option for hepatitic C virus infection and its related complications.