019 Use of serum levels of cytokine TGF b 1 in detection of Hepatocellularcarcinoma in patients with chronic liver disease

P Herzegovina Introduction: The hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors and carries a poor survival rate. Increased understanding of cancer biology and technological advances have enabled identification of a multitude of pathological, genetic, and molecular events that drive hepatocarcinogenesis leading to discovery of numerous potential biomarkers in this disease. The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF- β ) cytokine and its isoforms initiate a signaling cascade which is closely linked to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and subsequent progression to HCC. Methods: Totalof 150 subjects were divided into four groups, depending on the stage of HCC (BCLC scoring system). Group1: earlystage; group 2: intermediate stage; group 3: advanced stage; group 4: terminal stage and the control group. The analysis included serum levels of cytokine TGF- β 1. Used statistical methods: discriminant multivariate analysis, ANOVA test, multiple correlation test and Student ’ st-testfor independent samples. Charlson comorbidity index was determined forany possible influence of othercomorbid conditions. The analysis of serum levels of TGF- β 1 in HCC patients, according to BCLC scoring system has been performed, to evaluate its role as biomarker. Results: The highest mean concentration of this cytokine was in group 3 (advanced stage of HCC): 1023,55 pg/ml. ANOVA analysis provesthat serum levels of TGF- β 1 in the control group differed with respect to the otheras follows: in relation to group 1 at the level of statistical significance p=0.0028 (F=143.67); in relation to a group of 2 to p=0.0001 level (F=230.23); in relation to group 3 at p<0.0001 (F=2584). By Student ’ s T