Biochemical and molecular study of long non-coding RNAs (HOTTIP, ZEB-AS1 and MEG-3) in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background and aim Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a main cause of cancer death worldwide. The high mortality of HCC patients is linked to delayed diagnosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated as significant controllers of various human cancers. This study aimed to clarify the potential diagnostic and prognostic value of lncRNAs (HOTTIP, ZEB-AS1 and MEG3) in HCC. This study included 150 subjects (50 HCC patients, 50 cirrhotic patients and 50 healthy subjects). Methods lncRNA gene expression was estimated by real-time PCR. Results HOTTIP and ZEB-AS1 levels were higher in HCC patients than in cirrhotic patients and healthy individuals ( P < 0.001). The level of MEG-3 was significantly lower in the HCC group than in the cirrhotic and control groups (P < 0.001). In HCC patients, higher HOTTIP and ZEB-AS1 were linked with nodal and distant metastases , and lower MEG-3 was correlated with larger tumour size; additionally, higher HOTTIP and lower MEG-3 were associated with lower overall survival . ROC curve analysis revealed cut-off values >10.35 > 15 and < 2.3 for HOTTIP, ZEB-AS1 and MEG-3, respectively. Conclusion HOTTIP, ZEB-AS1 and MEG-3 could be considered diagnostic biomarkers for HCC, and HOTTIP and MEG-3 may represent prognostic biomarkers for HCC.