Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 1, 2026
Complete Laparoscopic Radical Resection of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma Type IIIb
Published on: January 17, 2025
Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin as a Theragnostic Marker in Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Amit Nair1, Nicola Ingram2, Eldo T Verghese2
1Section of Molecular Gastroenterology, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K. P.L.Coletta@leeds.ac.uk.
Background/Aim:
Platforms using valid molecular targets can provide concurrent diagnostic and treatment (theragnostic) options in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC). Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a biomarker in the biliary secretome of PHC. Its potential as a theragnostic target and its prognostic significance in this cancer was, therefore, explored.
Materials And Methods:
In-vitro studies were used to determine NGAL localization in several cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. Tissue expression of NGAL was quantified in PHC resection cases from 2000-2010 by immunohistochemistry.
Results:
NGAL was expressed in the majority of tested cell lines and localized to their membranes. Tissues from 54 patients underwent NGAL immunohistochemistry. Median tumoral NGAL expression was significantly higher than that in matched liver controls (p<0.001). Higher NGAL tumor expression was associated with nodal metastasis (p=0.021), although no significant association with survival was observed.
Conclusion:
The expression and localization of NGAL in PHC make it a valid candidate biomarker for exploitation in theragnostic platforms.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:38Inflammation
01:36Humoral Immune Responses
01:16In-vitro Mutagenesis
02:01pre-mRNA Processing
Once about 20-40 ribonucleotides have been joined together by RNA polymerase, a group of enzymes adds a “cap” to the 5’ end of the growing transcript. In this process, a 5’ phosphate is replaced by modified guanosine that has a methyl group attached to it (7-Methyl...