Expression of a Disintegrin and Metalloprotease 10 Gene Polymorphisms in a Cohort of Egyptian Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer mortality. There is a need for a marker associated with HCC progression. A disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAMs) family proteins have a lot of functions in cell adhesion, migration, proteolysis and signaling. Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the relation between ADAM 10 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and HCC progression. Methods: This study involved 201 cases divided: Group I (67 HCC patients), Group II (67 cirrhotic patients), Group III (67 control). Each group was subjected to laboratory investigations: (CBC, blood sugar, kidney and liver function, viral markers, alpha fetoprotein), imaging: (abdominal ultra-sonography, and triphasic C.T) and ADAM 10 gene polymorphism (rs 653765, rs 383902) detection by real - time PCR. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency and genotyping of ADAM 10 SNPs in HCC patients in comparison to cirrhotic and control groups [the frequency of rs 653765 genotypes (p=0.015) and model (p=0.013)]; likewise, the frequency of rs 383902 genotypes (p<0.001) and model (p=0.001)). Also, there was a statistically significant association between different SNP rs 383902 genotype with CLIP stages (p=0.02) and with VISUM stages (p=0.035). Conclusion: ADAM-10 is overexpressed in HCC patients and involved in HCC progress. These findings highlight that ADAM inhibitor may be used as therapeutic goals in the treatment of HCC.