Serum high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 is associated with clinicopathologic features in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background/aims. The role of high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 in hepatocellular carcinoma is unknown. The aim of study was to evaluate contributions of high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, and analyse the correlation between high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 and clinicopathologic outcomes. Patients/methods. High mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 levels were analysed by Western blot analysis. Edmondson grade, TNM stage and the Cancer of the Liver Italian Program score were used as analysis variables. Results. The serum high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (84.2 +/- 50.4 ng/ml) was significantly higher than those in chronic hepatitis (39.8 +/- 10.5 ng/ml), liver cirrhosis (40.2 +/- 11.6 ng/ml) and healthy control (7.0 +/- 5.9 ng/ml, p < 0.0001, respectively), and positive correlation were found between high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 and alpha-fetoprotein (r=0.952, p < 0.0001), and between high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 and the size of tumour (r=0.904, p < 0.0001). High mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 were significant differences among Edmondson grade I, II, III, IV; TNM stage I, II, III, IV and Cancer of the Liver Italian Program score 0-1 points, 2-4 points, >4 points (p < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions. These results suggest that high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 may be a useful marker for evaluating the tumour stage and predicting prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Targeting high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 production or release might have potential approaches for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l.