Diagnostic Value of Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Interleukin-17 in Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Overview

Journal World J Gastrointest Surg

Publisher Baishideng Publishing Group

Specialty Gastroenterology

Date 2024 Oct 1

PMID 39351547

Authors

Qi Tian

Hui Zeng

Qi-Quan Lu

Hai-Ying Xie

Yong Li

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Despite significant advancements in the medical treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC) in recent years, enhancing therapeutic effects and improving prognosis remain substantial challenges worldwide.

Aim: To investigate the expression levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin (IL)-17 in patients with PHC and evaluate their diagnostic value while exploring their relationship with patients' clinical characteristics.

Methods: The study included 50 patients with confirmed PHC who visited Wuhan Hanyang Hospital from January 2021 to January 2022, and 50 healthy individuals from the same period served as the control group. Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels in both groups were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, and their diagnostic value was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels. Pathological data of the PHC patients were analyzed to determine the relationship between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels and pathological characteristics.

Results: Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group ( < 0.05). No significant association was observed between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels and gender, age, combined cirrhosis, tumor diameter, or degree of differentiation ( > 0.05). However, there was a significant relationship between clinical TNM stage, tumor metastasis, and serum VEGF and IL-17 levels ( < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between serum VEGF and IL-17 ( < 0.05). ROC analysis demonstrated that both serum VEGF and IL-17 had good diagnostic efficacy for PHC.

Conclusion: Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels were significantly higher in PHC patients compared to healthy individuals. Their levels were closely related to pathological features such as tumor metastasis and clinical TNM stage, and there was a significant positive correlation between VEGF and IL-17. These biomarkers may serve as valuable reference indicators for the early diagnosis and treatment guidance of PHC.

Citing Articles

Unlocking the diagnostic potential of vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-17: Advancing early detection strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Subramanian S, Rajakumar H World J Gastrointest Surg. 2024; 16(11):3639-3642.

PMID: 39649218 PMC: 11622092. DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v16.i11.3639.

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