Related Experiment Video For HCC
Updated: Aug 5, 2025
Dried Blood Spots - Preparing and Processing for Use in Immunoassays and in Molecular Techniques
Published on: March 13, 2015
Elevated Serum Vinculin in Patients with HBV/HCV-Associated Liver Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Pilot
Abdallah Essa1,2, Enas Said Essa3, Sara Mahmoud El-Deeb3
1Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt.
Background:
The stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM) controls many cellular processes, such as migration and differentiation. Cells detect stiffness through adhesion structures termed focal adhesions (FAs). Vinculin, an actin-binding FA protein, plays a pivotal role in FA-mediated mechanotransduction.
Aim:
This study aimed to explore the role of vinculin in the development of HBV/HCV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods:
Vinculin levels in a total number of 100 serum samples from patients with HBV/HCV-induced liver cirrhosis and HCC, as well as healthy controls, were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results:
In patients with HCC and liver cirrhosis, the serum vinculin levels were significantly greater than in controls (503.8±242.2 and 728.4±1044.8 vs 77.7±36.1 respectively, p<0.001). However, results showed no link between serum vinculin and the clinicopathological features of HCC.
Conclusion:
Patients with HBVor HCV-induced liver cirrhosis and HCC have significantly higher serum levels of vinculin than do controls. This might point to a potential role for vinculin in the development of HCC. More research into how this protein affects the development of HCC at the molecular level could lead to better clinical treatments and the development of new molecular therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
01:26Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not...