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Digestive Diseases and Sciences

Open Access 23-04-2024 | Hepatocellular Carcinoma | Original Article

Metabolomic Analysis of Human Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Pilot Study

Authors: Sabine Weber, Kristian Unger, Marianna Alunni-Fabbroni, Heidrun Hirner-Eppeneder, Elif Öcal, Horst Zitzelsberger, Julia Mayerle, Peter Malfertheiner, Jens Ricke

Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences

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Abstract

Background

Molecular changes in HCC development are largely unknown. As the liver plays a fundamental role in the body’s metabolism, metabolic changes are to be expected.

Aims

We aimed to identify metabolomic changes in HCC in comparison to liver cirrhosis (LC) patients, which could potentially serve as novel biomarkers for HCC diagnosis and prognosis.

Methods

Metabolite expression from 38 HCC from the SORAMIC trial and 32 LC patients were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Metabolites with significant differences between LC and HCC at baseline were analyzed regarding expression over follow-up. In addition, association with overall survival was tested using univariate Cox proportional-hazard analysis.

Results

41 metabolites showed differential expression between LC and HCC patients. 14 metabolites demonstrated significant changes in HCC patients during follow-up. Campesterol, lysophosphatidylcholine, octadecenoic and octadecadienoic acid, and furoylglycine showed a differential expression in the local ablation vs. palliative care group. High expression of eight metabolites (octadecenoic acid, 2-hydroxybutyrate, myo-inositol, isocitrate, erythronic acid, creatinine, pseudouridine, and erythrol) were associated with poor overall survival. The association between poor OS and octadecenoic acid and creatinine remained statistically significant even after adjusting for tumor burden and LC severity.

Conclusion

Our findings give promising insides into the metabolic changes during HCC carcinogenesis and provide candidate biomarkers for future studies. Campesterol and furoylglycine in particular were identified as possible biomarkers for HCC progression. Moreover, eight metabolites were detected as predictors for poor overall survival.

Graphical Abstract

Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Metabolomic Analysis of Human Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Pilot Study
Authors
Sabine Weber
Kristian Unger
Marianna Alunni-Fabbroni
Heidrun Hirner-Eppeneder
Elif Öcal
Horst Zitzelsberger
Julia Mayerle
Peter Malfertheiner
Jens Ricke
Publication date
23-04-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
Print ISSN: 0163-2116
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2568
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-024-08446-1
Obesity Clinical Trial Summary

At a glance: The STEP trials

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A round-up of the STEP phase 3 clinical trials evaluating semaglutide for weight loss in people with overweight or obesity.

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