The diagnostic value of plasma exosomal hsa_circ_0070396 for hepatocellular carcinoma

Aim: We aimed to identify novel exosomal circular RNAs for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis. Materials & methods: Exosomes were extracted and characterized. The expression level of exosomal circRNAs were verified via quantitative real-time PCR. The diagnostic value of candidate circRNAs was evaluated according to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: The exosomal circ_0070396 significantly elevated in HCC patients than other control groups and it performed better in distinguishing HCC patients from healthy donors than that of alpha-fetoprotein. Combination of two above markers exerted greater diagnostic performance. Exosomal circ_0070396 could discriminate HCC individuals from patients with chronic hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis. Intriguingly, exosomal circ_0070396 was positively correlated with HCC progression. Conclusion: Exosomal circ_0070396 may be a potential biomarker for HCC detection and management.

Automated summary

The study identified exosomal circ_0070396 as a potential biomarker for HCC detection, showing significantly elevated expression in HCC patients and correlation with disease progression. Combination with other markers enhanced diagnostic performance in distinguishing HCC patients from healthy donors and those with chronic hepatitis B or liver cirrhosis.