DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF RIZ1 GENE EXPRESSION AS A POTENTIAL MARKER FOR PATIENTS WITH HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA.

Introduction:- There is still a need for novel biomarkers to improve the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The retinoblastoma protein-interacting zinc finger gene (RIZ1) expression and activity are reduced in many human cancers by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Its role in HCC still not clear. Aim:- To evaluate the expression of RIZ1 gene in patients with HCC. Methods:- The expression of RIZ1 gene was assessed by real time PCR in 48 consecutive patients with HCC, 23 patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis, and 25 healthy controls. Measurement of serum alpha feto protein (AFP). Results:- Patients with HCC, cirrhosis and controls were matched regarding sex (males, n (%): 40 (80), 19 (76) and 22 (88) respectively, P=0.852) and age (58.3±10.2, 54.8±9.0 and 54.0±10.8 respectively, P=0.150). Median AFP in patients with HCC was 994.9 ng/ml. RIZ1 gene expression (folds) was significantly lower in patients with HCC (1.51±1.48) compared to patients with cirrhosis (13.32±10.93, P<0.0001) and controls (18.70±9.38, P<0.0001). RIZ1 gene expression (folds) was significantly lower in patients with small tumour (<3 cm) compared to those with large (?3 cm) tumors (0.75±0.72 vs. 1.79±1.59 respectively, P=0.001) and in patients with no distant metastases compared to those with distant metastases (Median: 0.12 vs 1.17 respectively, p=0.016). Conclusion:- RIZ1 gene expression may be used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for HCC as it is significantly reduced in patients had HCC and in cases without distant metastases as well.