Metallomic Profile in Non-cirrhotic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Supports a Phenomenon of Metal Metabolism Adaptation in Tumor Cells

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Our group has previously described a particular form of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed in non-cirrhotic liver (HCC-NC) developed in Peruvian patients Our aim is to analyze the HCC-NC from clinical-biological findings in two different cohorts (Peruvian and French) and the link with metallomic profile. Clinical, histopathological and also tumoral (T) and non-tumoral liver (NTL) samples of 38 Peruvian and 45 French patients were studied. Twelve metals were assayed using ICP/MS: Mn, Fe, Cu, Co, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Mo, Cd, Pb, and Sn. Possible associations between metals and survival were also evaluated. Overall, results show clearly differences between both cohorts. Mean age were 41 ± 20 and 68 ± 9 years-old for Peruvians and French, respectively. 80% of Peruvian patients were positive for the HBsAg, versus 9% in French patients. Metals concentrations were higher in the NTL of Peruvians (p < 0.05) compared to the French. In both cohort metal concentrations were lower in HCC areas compared to NTL, excepted for Cu for which mean concentration was increased in HCC (p < 0.05). Se concentration in HCC was associated with better survival only in Peruvians. Our data shows, in both HCC-NC cohorts, that the process of hepatic tumorigenesis impact similarity the metallomic profile in tumor.