Investigating the Association Between Epstein-Barr Virus and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Egyptian Patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 biochemistry,faculty of science,zagazig university

2 Chemistry department, Faculty of science, Zagazig university, Zagazig, Egypt

3 2Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Center, Giza 12622, Egypt. 3Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), Cairo 11517, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent kind of cancer that is widespread worldwide. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It can infect over 90% of the human population. EBV can integrate into the host genome in several tumor forms, thereby facilitating carcinogenesis. Aim: Study the association between EBV and HCC in Egyptian patients and evaluate Epstein-Barr virus among malignant patients (HCC patients) attending the oncology unit of Zagazig University Hospital. Material and methods: The study comprised 41 patients diagnosed with HCC, 15 patients with liver cirrhosis, and 15 healthy individuals serving as control subjects. The ELISA technique was used to assess serum EBV IgM and AFP levels. The distribution of biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, albumin, prothrombin, bilirubin, or ALP) was estimated among all the analyzed groups. Results: A substantial statistical difference was seen in the distribution of EBV IgM among all groups studied, with a p-value of less than 0.001. There was a direct link between AFP and EBV IgM, with a P value of 0.033. There was a statistically significant difference in EBV IgM between all HCC categories, with a P value of 0.022. A clear association was observed between EBV IgM and HCC groups, as the levels of EBV IgM rose in parallel with the progression of the disease. Conclusion: There exists a correlation between the presence of serum EBV IgM and the occurrence of liver disorders Further investigation is necessary to validate the detrimental impacts of EBV and determine the quantity of EBV present in various stages of HCC.

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