Serum Levels of Netrin-4 and Its Association With Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Results From a Case-Control Study

Angiogenesis plays a vital role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by contributing to tumor growth and metastasis. Netrin-4 (NTN4) is a secreted glycoprotein that regulates angiogenesis and maintains endothelial homeostasis. There were no studies found focusing on the value of NTN4 as a serum biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC. In this study, we aimed to investigate the systemic expression of NTN4 in patients with HCC. We also explore the association of NTN4 with major clinicopathological and biochemical characteristics of HCC.

A total of 116 patients with HCC and 44 healthy volunteers were recruited in this case-control study. Clinical characteristics and liver function parameters were recorded among the study subjects. The levels of α-fetoprotein (AFP) were quantified in patients with HCC. The serum levels of NTN4 (pg/ml) were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

The median NTN4 levels were significantly decreased in patients with HCC when compared to control subjects (p < 0.0001). There was no difference between NTN4 levels in AFP-positive patients and AFP-negative patients (p = 0.39). Of note, NTN4 levels were significantly decreased in HCC patients with metastasis (p < 0.02) and portal vein invasion (p < 0.04). Further, NTN4 levels were significantly reduced in HCC patients with Child-Pugh C score (p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve for serum levels of NTN4 in the HCC group and control group was generated. At a cut-off of 30 pg/ml, the sensitivity and specificity for NTN4 were 80% and 82%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.894.

Low levels of NTN4 were associated with increased tumor aggressiveness and metastasis in HCC. Estimation of circulating NTN4 has prognostic value as a minimally invasive biomarker in HCC. Future studies might shed the role of NTN4 in the development of HCC.