Elevation of S2-bound α1-acid glycoprotein is associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and hepatocellular...

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Oncology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detection requires novel, high-quality biomarkers.
• S2-bound α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) was proposed as a potential early HCC marker.
• Evaluating S2-bound AGP's predictive value in early HCC detection is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the predictive advantage of S2-bound AGP for early HCC detection.
• To investigate S2-bound AGP levels in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients undergoing antiviral treatment.
• To explore correlations between S2-bound AGP and liver disease markers.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case-control study involving 93 HCV patients treated with direct-acting antivirals.
• S2-bound AGP measured using HepaCheC® ELISA at baseline, end of treatment, and during follow-up (max 78 months).
• Propensity score matching (1:2) used; additional samples from HBV, MASLD, and HCC patients analyzed.

Main Results:

• S2-bound AGP elevation was confirmed in HCC patients.
• No predictive advantage of S2-bound AGP for early HCC detection was observed.
• S2-bound AGP levels correlated significantly with aspartate aminotransferase and liver elastography.
• S2-bound AGP decreased post-HCV clearance and was elevated in chronic HCV with HCC.
• Fucosylated S2-bound AGP levels were higher in chronic HCV patients with HCC.

Conclusions:

• S2-bound AGP elevation is associated with HCC but lacks predictive value for early detection in this cohort.
• S2-bound AGP correlates with liver disease severity (AST, elastography) and decreases after viral clearance.
• Further research is needed to clarify the role of S2-bound AGP as a novel tumor marker.