microRNA-122 gene expression in Iraqi patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent tumors worldwide. It is estimated that persistent infections with hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) viruses account for 80% of HCC cases. Both chronic HBV and HCV infections have the potential to modify hepatocyte function and may do so through comparable pathways that impact the development of HCC. Significant progress has been made in understanding of the molecular biology of HBV and HCV and the cellular signal transduction pathways affected by these illnesses. Several cancer types exhibit aberrant expression and deregulation of microRNA-122, suggesting these molecules might function as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers globally. For detection of HCC, non-invasive biomarkers are limited in their application. In order to enhance the survival rates of individuals with HCC, early identification is crucial. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to evaluate 64 serum samples. The levels of microRNA-122 in the serum of HCC patients were significantly lower than in the control group further contrasted the expression of these microRNAs in serum samples from healthy controls and patients with untreated early-stage HCC. MicroRNA-122 expression was considerably reduced in HCC sera, with a P value of less than 0.0001. Interestingly, microRNA-122 expression levels were marginally increased in individuals who received therapy but were lacking in those diagnosed early and untreated. In the first phase of hepatitis samples, microRNA-122 expression levels were considerably lower than in standard samples, with a P value (<0.0001). This suggests the potential use of microRNA-122 as a biomarker to track treatment success.