miR-142-3p expression: a genetic link between fatty liver and hepatocellular carcinoma

Wednesday, October 10, 2012 — Poster Session II
Noon – 2:00 p.m	Natcher Conference Center, Building 45	NINR	CLIN/TRANS-18

Authors

• R. Longchamps
• S. Abey
• A.C. Martino
• R.M. Peace
• S. Reddy
• W.A. Henderson

Abstract

Background: Fatty Liver (FL) is a global phenomenon with an estimated prevalence of 31-34% in the US adult population. Individuals with FL are at an elevated risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Reliable minimally invasive biomarkers may provide a means to diagnose FL and provide insight into the poorly understood progression of FL to HCC. Methods: Eight patients were incidentally found to have FL via abdominal ultrasound and were compared to eight matched individuals without FL. Sample mean age was 30.6±7.3 years, 50% male, 100% Caucasian. Detection and quantification of 735X miRNA with nCounter® Human miRNA Expression Assay Kit (Nanostring) was performed. Statistical analyses were performed on BRB Array Tools. Results: Multiplex targeted profiling revealed three specific miRNAs which had differential counts in individuals with FL compared to controls (miR-142-3p, miR-18b, miR-890). Significantly lower levels of miR-142-3p (p=0.001,2.55 fold difference), miR-18b (p=0.015,2.39 fold difference), and miR-890 (p=0.020,3.54 fold difference) were found in individuals with FL compared to controls. Conclusions: Our findings suggest miRNAs may provide a novel means for FL detection as well as elucidate the molecular basis of FL. Additionally, miR-142-3p has been previously linked to HCC and may provide insight into the progression of FL to HCC.

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