Phosphorus Metabolite Profiling of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using 31P-MRS: A Comparative Study with Surrounding Liver Tissue

Motivation: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with metabolic changes in phosphorus metabolites, which may reveal its biochemical mechanisms. Goal(s): To compare metabolic differences between HCC lesions and surrounding liver tissue using 31P-MRS. Approach: 47 patients with HCC underwent 31P-MRS to measure phosphoethanolamine (PE), phosphocholine (PC), inorganic phosphate (Pi), and ATP derivatives. Ratios of PME/PDE and PE/PME were compared between HCC lesions and surrounding liver tissue. Results: HCC lesions showed higher PME/PDE and PE/PME ratios, indicating altered membrane turnover and supporting tumor cell membrane reorganization. Impact: These metabolic shifts in HCC lesions may aid in diagnosis and monitoring of liver cancer.