Genetic and Molecular Profiling of <i>PLIN5</i> and <i>LCN2</i> in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Diagnosis and Prognosis

Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global health challenge, often diagnosed at advanced stages, necessitating reliable biomarkers for early detection and prognosis. Objectives: This study investigates the mRNA expression levels and polymorphisms of perilipin 5 (PLIN5) and lipocalin 2 (LCN2) in liver tissues of HCC patients compared to healthy controls, alongside histopathological analyses. Methods: In a case-control study involving 50 HCC patients and 50 healthy liver donors, we quantified PLIN5 and LCN2 mRNA expression using Real-Time PCR, genotyped PLIN5 (rs1062223 G>A) and LCN2 (rs11556770 G>T) polymorphisms, and assessed stereological parameters including hepatocyte count, hepatocyte volume, Kupffer cell count, and fibrotic tissue volume. Results: Results showed significantly elevated PLIN5 and LCN2 mRNA expression in HCC tissues (P < 0.05). The PLIN5 rs1062223 A allele was significantly more frequent in HCC patients (P = 0.031), suggesting its role as a risk factor, while LCN2 rs11556770 showed no significant genotypic differences. Histopathologically, HCC tissues exhibited reduced hepatocyte and Kupffer cell counts, increased hepatocyte volume, and higher fibrotic tissue volume (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings highlight the pleiotropic roles of PLIN5 and LCN2 in HCC pathogenesis, suggesting their potential as candidate biomarkers, pending further validation.