Hypomethylation of glycine dehydrogenase promoter in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is a new diagnostic marker of hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: Glycine dehydrogenase(GLDC) plays an important role in the initiation and proliferation of several human cancers. In this study, we aimed to detect the methylation status of GLDC promoter and its diagnostic value for hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma(HBV-HCC). Methods: We enrolled 197 patients, 111 with HBV-HCC, 51 with chronic hepatitis B(CHB), and 35 healthy controls(HCs). The methylation status of GLDC promoter in peripheral mononuclear cells(PBMCs) was identified by methylation specific polymerase chain reaction(MSP). The mRNA expression was examined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(q PCR). Results: The methylation frequency of the GLDC promoter was significantly lower in HBV-HCC patients(27.0%) compared to that in CHB patients(68.6%) and HCs(74.3%)( P < 0.001). The methylated group had lower alanine aminotransferase level( P = 0.035) and lower rates of tumor node metastasis(TNM) Ⅲ/Ⅳ( P = 0.043) and T3/T4( P = 0.026). TNM stage was identified to be an independent factor for GLDC promoter methylation. GLDC mRNA levels in CHB patients and HCs were significantly lower than those in HBV-HCC patients( P = 0.022 and P < 0.001, respectively). GLDC mRNA levels were significantly higher in HBV-HCC patients with unmethylated GLDC promoters than those with methylated GLDC promoters( P = 0.003). The diagnostic accuracy of alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) combined with GLDC promoter methylation for HBV-HCC was improved compared with that of AFP alone(AUC: 0.782 vs. 0.630, P < 0.001). In addition, GLDC promoter methylation was an independent predictor for overall survival of HBV-HCC patients( P = 0.038). Conclusions: The methylation frequency of GLDC promoter was lower in PBMCs from HBV-HCC patients than that from patients with CHB and HCs. The combination of AFP and GLDC promoter hypomethylation significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy of HBV-HCC.

Multifaceted roles of lymphatic and blood endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma:A comprehensive review

The tumor microenvironment is a complex network of cells,extracellular matrix,and signaling molecules that plays a critical role in tumor progression and metastasis.Lymphatic and blood vessels are major routes for solid tumor metastasis and essential parts of tumor drainage conduits.However,recent studies have shown that lymphatic endothelial cells(LECs)and blood endothelial cells(BECs)also play multifaceted roles in the tumor microenvironment beyond their structural functions,particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).This comprehensive review summarizes the diverse roles played by LECs and BECs in HCC,including their involvement in angiogenesis,immune modulation,lymphangiogenesis,and metastasis.By providing a detailed account of the complex interplay between LECs,BECs,and tumor cells,this review aims to shed light on future research directions regarding the immune regulatory function of LECs and potential therapeutic targets for HCC.

Colon signet-ring cell carcinoma with chylous ascites caused by immunosuppressants following liver transplantation:A case report

BACKGROUND Chylous ascites is caused by disruption of the lymphatic system,which is characterized by the accumulation of a turbid fluid containing high levels of triglycerides within the abdominal cavity.The two most common causes are cirrhosis and tuberculosis,and colon signer ring cell carcinoma(SRCC)due to the use of immunosuppressants is extremely rare in cirrhotic patients after liver transplantation,making it prone to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.CASE SUMMARY A 52-year-old man who underwent liver transplantation and was administered with immunosuppressants for 8 months was admitted with a 3-month history of progressive abdominal distention.Initially,based on lymphoscintigraphy and lymphangiography,lymphatic obstruction was considered,and cystellar chyli decompression with band lysis and external membrane stripping of the lymphatic duct was performed.However,his abdominal distention was persistent without resolution.Abdominal paracentesis revealed allogenic cells in the ascites,and immunohistochemistry analysis revealed adenocarcinoma cells with phenotypic features suggestive of a gastrointestinal origin.Gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed,and biopsy showed atypical signet ring cells in the ileocecal valve.The patient eventually died after a three-month follow-up due to progression of the tumor.CONCLUSION Colon SRCC,caused by immunosuppressants,is an unusual but un-neglected cause of chylous ascites.

Hydrangea serrata extract exerts tumor inhibitory activity against hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells via inducing p27/CDK2-mediated cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

Objective:To examine the inhibitory effect of Hydrangea serrata extract against hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and its underlying mechanisms.Methods:The effects of Hydrangea serrata extract on growth inhibition of tumor cells and spheroids were assessed using MTT and 3D culture assays.Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analyses were employed to investigate the changes in mRNA and protein expression levels of molecules related to cell cycle and apoptosis.Results:Hydrangea serrata extract effectively inhibited the growth of both tumor cells and spheroids.The extract also significantly upregulated p27 mRNA expression and downregulated CDK2 mRNA expression,leading to cell cycle arrest.Moreover,increased BAX/Bcl-2 ratio as well as caspase-9 and-3 were observed after treatment with Hydrangea serrata extract,indicating the induction of tumor cell apoptosis.Conclusions:Hydrangea serrata extract has the potential to alleviate tumors by effectively modulating cell-cycle-related gene expressions and inducing apoptosis,thereby inhibiting tumor growth.

When immunotherapy meets liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: A bumpy but promising road

Liver transplantation(LT)is a highly curative therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,due to the shortage of donor livers and rapid progression of HCC,a majority of patients are dropped out from the waitlist.Recently,immunotherapy has shown great promise in the treatment of advanced HCC.However,the use of immunotherapy is limited in LT mainly due to the potentially increasing risk of graft rejection.One of the main challenges for researchers is the protection of donor graft from an immunotherapy-boosted immune response mounted by the host.Besides,the safety,availability,and costs of immunotherapy are other challenges that need to be addressed.Here,we reviewed the literature involving patients who received immunotherapy prior to transplant to avoid waitlist dropouts and following transplantation to prevent the progression of tumor recurrence and metastasis.Statistically,the incidence of rejection was 25.0%pre-transplant and 18.5%post-transplant.Based on the review of these clinical studies,we can conclude that conducting clinical trials on the safety and efficacy of currently available immunotherapy drugs and identifying novel immunotherapy targets through extensive research may be promising for patients who do not meet the selection criteria for LT and who experience post-transplant recurrence.To date,the clinical experience on the use of immunotherapy before or after LT comes from individual case studies.Although some of the reported results are promising,they are not sufficient to support the standardized use of immunotherapy in clinical practice.

Controversy over the use of intraoperative blood salvage autotransfusion during liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Intraoperative blood salvage autotransfusion (IBSA) is used in various surgical procedures. However, because of the risk of reinfusion of salvaged blood contaminated by tumor cells, the use of IBSA in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) is controversial. The critical points include whether tumor cells can be cleared by IBSA, whether IBSA increases the risk of recurrence or metastasis, and what are the indications for IBSA. Moreover, is it warranted to take the risk of tumor dissemination by using IBSA to avoid allogeneic blood transfusion? Do the remaining tumor cells after additional filtration by leukocyte depletion filters still possess potential tumorigenicity? Does IBSA always work well? We have reviewed the literature and tried to address these questions. The available data indicate that IBSA is safe in LT for HCC, but randomized, controlled and prospective trials are urgently required to clarify the uncertainty.

Does autologous blood transfusion during liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma increase risk of recurrence?

AIM: To analyze outcomes in patients who underwent liver transplantation(LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and received autologous intraoperative blood salvage(IBS). METHODS: Consecutive HCC patients who underwent LT were studied retrospectively and analyzed according to the use of IBS or not. Demographic and surgical data were collected from a departmental prospective maintained database. Statistical analyses were performed using the Fisher's exact test and the Wilcoxon rank sum test to examine covariate differences between patients who underwent IBS and those who did not. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were developed to evaluate recurrence and death,and survival probabilities were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test.RESULTS: Between 2002 and 2012,158 consecutive patients who underwent LT in the same medical center and by the same surgical team were identified. Among these patients,122(77.2%) were in the IBS group and 36(22.8%) in the non-IBS group. The overall survival(OS) and recurrence free survival(RFS) at 5 years were 59.7% and 83.3%,respectively. No differences in OS(P=0.51) or RFS(P=0.953) were detected between the IBS and non-IBS groups. On multivariate analysis for OS,degree of tumor differentiation remained as the only independent predictor. Regarding patients who received IBS,no differences were detected in OS or RFS(P=0.055 and P=0.512,respectively) according to the volume infused,even when outcomes at 90 d or longer were analyzed separately(P=0.518 for both outcomes).CONCLUSION: No differences in RFS or OS were detected according to IBS use. Trials addressing this question are justified and should be designed to detect small differences in long-term outcomes.

Dynamic alteration of telomerase expression and its diagnostic significance in liver or peripheral blood for hepatocellular carcinoma

瞄准：在肝纸巾或外部血在肝细胞癌(HCC ) 和它的诊断含意的开发期间调查 telomerase 表示的动态改变为 HCC 的单音的原子房间。方法：肝 telomerase 的动态表情在 hepatocytes 的恶意的转变期间被观察在(SD ) Sprague-Dawly，老鼠用 0.05% 2-fluoenyacetamide (2-FAA ) 喂了。全部的 RNA 和 telomerase 从老鼠或人的肝纸巾被提取。在肝并且在传播的血的 telomerase 活动被 telomeric 重复扩大 protocol-enzyme-linked 免疫吸着剂试金(TRAP-ELISA ) 检测，并且它的诊断价值与良性或恶意的肝疾病在病人被调查。结果：肝细胞瘤模型在 HCC 开发期间显示了肝的 telomerase 的动态表示。telomerase 活动与肝总数 RNA 层次一致(r = 0.83， P【0.01 ) 在 hepatocytes 的退化，初癌状态，和癌化的阶段。在 HCC 病人，在 HCC 纸巾的 telomerase 层次比在他们的邻近的非癌的纸巾，而是肝全部的 RNA 铺平显著地高比在后者在前者是更低的。尽管 HCC 病人的传播 telomerase 反常地与长期的肝疾病在病人之中被表示，因为发生在正常控制是15.7%， telomerase 活动是为 HCC 诊断的一个非特定的标记，25%在长期的肝炎，45.9%在肝肝硬化，并且85.2%在 HCC ，分别地吸收度什么时候 telomerase 活动珍视，是超过 0.2 。如果价值是超过 0.6，发生在 HCC 组是 60% 并且 0% 在除了在有肝的二种情况中的其它(P【0.01 ) 的任何东西肝硬化。然而，有浆液 alpha-fetoprotein 水平的传播 telomerase 的联合能增加积极的率和精确性(92.6% ， 135 中的 125 个) HCC 诊断。结论：过去 telomerase 的表示在肝纸巾与 HCC 开发，和它的反常被联系或在外设，血能是为 HCC 的诊断和预后的一个有用标记。

Blood neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio predicts survival after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity score-based analysis

AIM: To investigate whether an elevated preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR) can predict poor survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 526 patients with HCC who underwent surgery between 2004 and 2011.RESULTS: Preoperative NLR ≥ 2.81 was an independent predictor of poor disease-free survival(DFS, P < 0.001) and overall survival(OS, P = 0.044). Compared with patients who showed a preoperative NLR < 2.81 and postoperative increase, patients who showed preoperative NLR ≥ 2.81 and postoperative decrease had worse survival(DFS, P < 0.001; OS, P < 0.001). Among patients with preoperative NLR ≥ 2.81, survival was significantly higher among those showing a postoperative decrease in NLR than among those showing an increase(DFS, P < 0.001; OS, P < 0.001). When elevated, alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) provided no prognostic information, and so preoperative NLR ≥ 2.81 may be a good complementary indicator of poor OS whenever AFP levels are low or high.CONCLUSION: Preoperative NLR ≥ 2.81 may be an indicator of poor DFS and OS in patients with HCC undergoing surgery. Preoperative NLR ≥ 2.81 may be a good complementary indicator of poor OS when elevated AFP levels provide no prognostic information.

Supportive therapies for prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence and preservation of liver function

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers in the world and is associated with a high risk of recurrence. The development of a wide range of new therapies is therefore essential. In this study, from the perspective of supportive therapy for the prevention of HCC recurrence and preservation of liver function in HCC patients, we surveyed a variety of different therapeutic agents. We show that branched chain amino acids(BCAA) supplementation and late evening snack with BCAA, strategies that address issues of protein-energy malnutrition, are important for liver cirrhotic patients with HCC. For chemoprevention of HCC recurrence, we show that viral control after radical treatment is important. We also reviewed the therapeutic potential of antiviral drugs, sorafenib, peretinoin, iron chelators. Sorafenib is a kinase inhibitor and a standard therapy in the treatment of advanced HCC. Peretinoin is a vitamin A-like molecule that targets the retinoid nuclear receptor to induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor growth in HCC cells. Iron chelators, such as deferoxamine and deferasirox, act to prevent cancer cell growth. These chelators may have potential as combination therapies in conjunction with peretinoin. Finally, we review the potential inhibitory effect of bone marrow cells on hepatocarcinogenesis.

Blood DNA methylation markers in prospectively identifiedhepatocellular carcinoma cases and controls from Taiwan

AIM: To determine if gene-specific DNA methylation in prospectively collected blood samples is associated with later development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS: Comparing genome-wide DNA methylation profiles using Illumina Human methylation 450 K arrays, we previously identified a list of loci that were differentially methylated between tumor and adjacent nontumor tissues. To examine if dysregulation of DNAmethylation patterns observed in tumor tissues can be detected in white blood cell(WBC) DNA, we conducted a prospective case-control study nested within a community-based cancer screening cohort in Taiwan with 16 years of follow up. We measured methylation levels in ninety-six loci that were aberrant in DNA methylation in HCC tumor tissues compared to adjacent tissues. Baseline WBC DNA from 159 HCC cases and 312 matched controls were bisulfite treated and assayed by Illumina Bead Array. We used the χ2 test for categorical variables and student's t-test for continuous variables to assess the difference in selected characteristics between cases and controls. To estimate associations with HCC risk, we used conditional logistic regression models stratified on the matching factors to calculate odds ratios(OR) and 95%CI. RESULTS: We found that high methylation level in cg10272601 in WNK2 was associated with increased risk of HCC, with an OR of 1.91(95%CI: 1.27-2.86). High methylation levels in both cg12680131 in TPO and cg22511877 in MYT1 L, however, were associated with decreased risk. The ORs(95%CI) were 0.59(0.39-0.87) and 0.50(0.33-0.77), respectively, for those with methylation levels of cg12680131 and cg22511877 above the median compared with those with levels below the median. These associations were still statistically significant in multivariable conditional logistic regression models after adjusting for hepatitis B virus infection and alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: These findings support the measurement of methylation markers in WBC DNA as biomarkers of HCC susceptibility but should be replicated in additional prospective studies.

Immunotherapy in liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma:Pros and cons

Liver transplantation(LT)has emerged as a curative strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),but contributes to a higher predisposition to HCC recurrence in the immunosuppression context,especially for tumors beyond the Milan criteria.Although immunotherapy has dramatically improved survival for immunocompetent patients and has become the standard of care for a variety of tumors,including HCC,it is mainly used outside the scope of organ transplantation owing to potentially fatal allograft rejection.Nevertheless,accumulative evidence has expanded the therapeutic paradigms of immunotherapy for HCC,from downstaging or bridging management in the pretransplant setting to the salvage or adjuvant strategy in the posttransplant setting.Generally,immunotherapy mainly includes immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs),adoptive cell transfer(ACT)and vaccine therapy.ICIs,followed by ACT,have been most investigated in LT,with some promising results.Because of the complex tumor microenvironment and immunoreactivity when immunosuppressants are combined with immunotherapy,it is difficult to reach formulations for immunosuppressant adjustment and the optimal selection of immunotherapy as well as patients.In addition,the absence of effective biomarkers for identifying rejection and tumor response is still an unresolved barrier to successful clinical immunotherapy applications for LT.In this review,we comprehensively summarize the available evidence of immunotherapy used in LT that is specific to HCC.Moreover,we discuss clinically concerning issues regarding the concurrent goals of graft protection and antitumor response.

Small cell carcinoma of the liver and biliary tract without jaundice

An 80-year-old woman presenting with chest pain was found to have a large,lobulated soft tissue mass in the liver and nearby tissues on abdominal computed tomography(CT).The tumor had invaded the common hepatic artery and main portal vein.Jaundice developed 4 wk later,at which point,a pancreas and biliary CT scan revealed a large mass in the right lobe of the liver and a hilar duct obstruction,which was found to be a small cell carcinoma.Despite its rarity,liver and bile duct small cell carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of atypical chest pain without jaundice.

Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia as an initial presentation of hepatocellular carcinoma coupled with end-stage liver cirrhosis: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia(NICTH)is a rare cause of persistent hypoglycemia seen in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).It is likely to be underdiagnosed especially in the patients with poor hepatic function and malnutrition.Herein,we report a rare case of NICTH as the initial presentation of HCC in a patient with chronic hypoglycemia due to end-stage liver cirrhosis.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old male with chronic fasting hypoglycemia secondary to end-stage hepatitis C-related cirrhosis,presented with altered mental status and dizziness.He was found to have severe hypoglycemia refractory to glucose supplements.Imaging studies and biopsy discovered well differentiated HCC without metastasis.Further evaluation showed low insulin,C-peptide and betahydroxybutyrate along with a high insulin-like growth factor-2/insulin-like growth factor ratio,consistent with the diagnosis of NICTH.As patient was not a candidate for surgical resection or chemotherapy,he was started on prednisolone with some improvements in the glucose homeostasis,but soon decompensated after a superimposed hospital acquired pneumonia.CONCLUSION NICTH can occur as the sole initial presentation of HCC and is often difficult to correct without tumor removal.Clinicians should maintain high clinical suspicion for early recognition of paraneoplastic NICTH in patients at risk for HCC,even those with chronic fasting hypoglycemia in the setting of severe hepatic failure and malnutrition.

Recurrent renal cell carcinoma leading to a misdiagnosis of polycystic liver disease: A case report

BACKGROUND Polycystic liver disease(PCLD) with a large cystic volume deteriorates the quality of life of patients through substantial effects on the adjacent organs,recurrent cyst infections, cyst rupture, and hemorrhage. Surgical or radiological intervention is usually needed to alleviate these symptoms. We report a rare case of the cystic metastasis of renal cell carcinoma(RCC), which was misdiagnosed as PCLD, as a result of the clinical and radiological similarity between these disorders.CASE SUMMARY A 74-year-old female who had undergone nephrectomy for papillary-type RCC(PRCC) was suffering from abdominal pain and the recurrent intracystic hemorrhage of multiple cysts in the liver. Imaging studies and aspiration cytology of the cysts showed no evidence of malignancy. With a diagnosis of autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease, the patient received hepatectomy for the purpose of mass reduction and infectious cyst removal. Surgery was performed without complications, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 14. Postoperatively, the pathology revealed a diagnosis of recurrent PRCC with cystic formation.CONCLUSION This case demonstrates the importance of excluding the cystic metastasis of a cancer when liver cysts are observed.

Epstein-Barr virus DNA loads in the peripheral blood cells predict the survival of locoregionally-advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients

Objective:Circulating cell-free Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)DNA has been shown to be a valuable biomarker for population screening and prognostic surveillance for nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC).Despite important insights into the biology of persistence,few studies have addressed the clinical significance of cell-based EBV-DNA loads in peripheral blood cells(PBCs).Methods:A prospective observational cohort study was conducted involving 1,063 newly diagnosed,locoregionally-advanced NPC patients at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from 2005 to 2007.Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify the association of PBC EBV DNA loads to overall survival(OS)and other prognostic outcomes.Prognostic nomograms were developed based on PBC EBV DNA loads to predict survival outcomes for NPC patients.Results:After a median follow-up of 108 months,patients with higher PBC EBV-DNA loads had significantly worse OS[hazard ratio(HR)of medium,medium-high,and high vs.low were 1.50,1.52,and 1.85 respectively;Ptrend<0.001].Similar results were found for progression-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival.The concordance index of the prognostic nomogram for predicting OS in the training set and validation set were 0.70 and 0.66,respectively.Our data showed that the PBC EBV DNA load was an independent and robust survival biomarker,which remained significant even after adjusting for plasma EBV DNA loads in a subset of 205 patients of the cohort(HR:1.88;P=0.025).Importantly,a combination of PBC EBV DNA load and plasma EBV DNA load improved the predicted OS.Conclusions:The EBV-DNA load in PBCs may be an independent prognosis marker for NPC patients.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the liver:A case report

BACKGROUND Squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)of the liver is rare,and is more commonly found in the skin,rectum,cervical or inguinal lymph nodes.CASE SUMMARY A 73-year-old man had been experiencing right upper quadrant discomfort for some weeks.He had a 50-year history of smoking and drinking.On average,he smoked 20 cigarettes and consumed 200 galcoholdaily.He didn’t have a history of hepatitis or surgery.Fever,vomiting,jaundice,dysuria,chills,and abdominal distention were not observed at the time of admission.Tenderness in the right upper quadrant was found on physical examination,but there was no palpable abdominal mass.No obvious abnormalities in laboratory tests and tumor markers were found.The plasma retention rate of indocyanine green(ICG)at 15 min was 1.35%.Subsequent abdominal ultrasonography showed a mixed echoic mass approximately 3.8 cm diameter in the left caudate lobe of the liver.Abdominal computed tomography confirmed a 3.0 cm×3.5 cm irregular mass with inhomogeneous density and moderate delayed enhancement in the left caudate lobe of the liver.Laparoscopic left caudate lobectomy was performed to remove the liver mass.Intra-operative findings confirmed a non-cirrhotic liver,with a 3 cm×3.5 cm white tumor mass in the left caudate lobe with no tumor rupture and no hemoperitoneum.The resection margin was 1.0 cm in width.CONCLUSION We describe the first case of SCC in the left caudate lobe of the liver,which was successfully treated by surgical resection and postoperative immunotherapy.No tumor recurrence was observed during the 8-mo follow-up.

Association between red blood cell distribution width and the occurrence of cervical carcinoma

Objective:To explore correlation between red blood cell distribution width(RDW)and cervical carcinoma.Methods:50 cervical carcinoma patients and 75 healthy controls from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from June 2020 to December 2020 were involved as the patients group and the control group respectively.Demographic data were collected from routine blood tests and biochemistry examination,the correlation of RDW with hemoglobin(Hb)and c-reactive protein(CRP)was evaluated by Spearman rank correlation,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to analyze the diagnostic value of RDW for cervical carcinoma.Result:The levels of RDW,squamous cell carcinoma antigen(SCCA)and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)in patients with cervical carcinoma were higher than those in the controls.The levels of high-density lipoprotein(HDL),Albumin,Prealbumin,Hb,RBC and neuron-specific enolase(NSE)in patients were lower than those in the controls(all P<0.05).There was no statistical significance on the difference in other markers between the two groups(P>0.05).The AUC of RDW in the diagnosis of cervical carcinoma was 0.834.Based on Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis,RDW was positively correlated with Hb(r=0.434,P<0.05)and CRP(r=0.366,P<0.05)RDW,and was negatively correlated with hematocrit(r=-0.363,P<0.05),in cervical carcinoma group,cervical carcinoma subgroupⅠ-ⅡandⅢ-Ⅳwere higher than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Elevated RDW is associated with the occurrence of cervical carcinoma,and it may have clinical value in the diagnosis of cervical carcinoma and the course of reaction.

Relationship of A，B，H blood group antigens with pathomorphological grading and prognosis of transitional－cell carcinoma of th

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Case of clear-cell hepatocellular carcinoma that developed in the normal liver of a middle-aged woman

A 36-year-old woman was admitted to our department for close examination of a liver tumor that was found during a medical checkup. Abdominal US, CT and MRI showed a tumor in segment 7 (S7) of the liver. Although imaging suggested hepatocellular carcinoma, laboratory tests showed no abnormality in liver function, hepatitis virus markers were negative, and tumor markers including protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist Ⅱ (PIVKA-Ⅱ), α-fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were all within normal ranges. Upon aspiration biopsy of the liver, the histopathological diagnosis was moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, right hepatectomy was performed. Although a part of the tumor was necrotic, about 60% of the viable part showed a clear-cell variant. Consequently, it was diagnosed as clear-cell hepatocellular carcinoma. It was noted that the background liver tissue was normal. This case is worthy of reporting because development of clear-cell hepatocellular carcinoma in the normal liver of a middle-aged woman is rarely seen.