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Updated: May 11, 2026
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Published on: April 21, 2022
Serum HMGB1 as a diagnostic marker for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma
Chiharu Tabata1, Shingo Kanemura, Rie Tabata
1Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan. ctabata@hyo-med.ac.jp
Background:
Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) is an aggressive malignant tumor of mesothelial origin that shows a limited response to cytoreductive surgery along with intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Therefore, early diagnosis of DMPM is very important. Some researchers have previously reported that high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was correlated with pulmonary fibrosis. DMPM involves the malignant transformation of mesothelial cells, which originate from mesenchymal cells, similar to lung fibroblasts. Here, we investigated serum levels of HMGB1 in patients with MPM and compared them with those of a population that had been exposed to asbestos without developing MPM.
Study:
The serum concentrations of HMGB1 were measured in 13 DMPM patients and 45 individuals with benign asbestos-related diseases.
Result:
We demonstrated that the patients with DMPM had significantly higher serum levels of HMGB1 compared with the population who had been exposed to asbestos but did not develop DMPM.
Conclusion:
Our data suggest that serum HMGB1 concentration is a useful serum marker for DMPM.
Insights
Serum high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) levels are elevated in patients with diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM). This finding suggests HMGB1 may serve as a valuable diagnostic biomarker for DMPM.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Mesothelioma Research
Background:
- Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) is an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options.
- Early diagnosis of DMPM is crucial for patient outcomes.
- High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has been linked to other fibrotic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum HMGB1 levels in DMPM patients.
- To compare HMGB1 levels in DMPM patients versus individuals with asbestos exposure but no DMPM.
Main Methods:
- Serum HMGB1 concentrations were measured.
- Study included 13 DMPM patients and 45 individuals with benign asbestos-related diseases.
Main Results:
- Patients with DMPM exhibited significantly higher serum HMGB1 levels.
- A clear distinction in HMGB1 levels was observed between DMPM patients and the control group.
Conclusions:
- Serum HMGB1 shows potential as a diagnostic biomarker for DMPM.
- Further research may validate HMGB1 for early DMPM detection.