Salivary miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma: a pilot study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Improved detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is needed, as current detection methods, such as alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and ultrasound, suffer from poor sensitivity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate many cellular functions and impact cancer development and progression. Notably, miRNAs are detectable in saliva and have shown potential as non-invasive biomarkers for a number of cancers including breast, oral, and lung cancers. Here, we present, to our knowledge, the first report of salivary miRNAs in HCC and compare these findings to patients with cirrhosis, a high-risk cohort for HCC.

Methods

We performed small RNA sequencing in 20 patients with HCC and 19 with cirrhosis. Eleven patients with HCC had chronic liver disease, and analy

SUBMITTER: Mariam A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8742548 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature