Serum Level of TNFα and Its Gene Polymorphism Association with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Objectives : To evaluate the association of serum level of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF a ) and its gene polymorphism with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Background : HCC is one of the commonest fatal tumors worldwide. It is a major international public health concern and considered the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. HCC is the second and sixth most prevalent cancer in men and women, respectively, in Egypt. TNF a is a pleiotropic cytokine mainly produced by monocytes and macrophages. It has been linked to a number of physiological and pathological disorders. TNF a serum levels and its gene polymorphism have been shown to be signi fi cantly elevated in patients with various liver diseases. Patients and methods : This study included 105 participants: 40 patients with HCC and 30 cirrhotic patients with no evidence of HCC who presented to the Hepatology Department, National Liver Institute, Menou fi a University, as well as 35 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. TNF serum levels were measured using ELISA, and its gene polymorphism (rs1799964) was determined by PCR. Results : Our study found a signi fi cant statistical difference between patients with HCC and control group, as well as be-tween cirrhotic patients and control group, but no signi fi cant difference between patients with HCC and cirrhotic patients regarding TNF polymorphism (rs1799964). Moreover, we found a signi fi cant statistical difference in TNF serum levels be-tweenpatientswithHCCandcontrolgroup,cirrhoticpatientsandcontrolgroup,andpatientswithHCCandcirrhoticpatients. Conclusion : Serum levels of TNF a and its gene polymorphism (rs1799964) may be associated with an increased risk of HCC development.