Abstract:

Background: The process of hepatic carcinogenesis involves a progression including large regenerative nodules, to dysplastic nodules, and finally to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, sometimes differentiation of hepatocellular nodules can be difficult. Angiogenesis is fundamental to the development of malignant tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate angiogenesis by evaluation of serum level of angiopoietin-2 in patients with cirrhosis and with HCC.

METHODS: Serum level of angiopoietin-2 was measured in 50 patients with HCC, 30 patients with cirrhosis, and 15 healthy controls. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) serum level was determined in patients with HCC, cirrhosis and compared the test characteristics of both serum markers. The angiopoietin-2 was determined by ELISA.

RESULTS: Serum levels of angiopoietin-2 were elevated in patients with liver cirrhosis and HCC compared with controls where P value was < 0.001, < 0.0001 respectively. Serum levels were elevated in patients with HCC in comparison to cirrhotic patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Serum angiopoietin-2 levels are elevated in patients with HCC, suggesting the potential use of angiopoietin-2 as a marker for the detection of HCC.