Research Article
Mohammed Mohammed Shamseya, Sa
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) related liver disease, culminating into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a prevalent disease in Egypt. Smoking is linked to multiple health-related problems. Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional protein, highly expressed in bone. Its overexpression has been observed in various human tumors. Its role in HCC has generated significant interest. Aim: To study the effect of heavy smoking on levels of osteopontin and its possible role in HCV related HCC. Material and Methods: 180 volunteers were included and divided into 6 equal groups: Group 1: normal healthy persons. Group 2: hepatitis C-negative smokers. Group 3: HCV-positive cirrhotic nonsmokers. Group 4: HCV-positive cirrhotic heavy smokers. Group 5: HCV-positive cirrhotic patients with HCC and non-smokers. Group 6: HCV-positive cirrhotic patients with HCC and heavy smokers. All subjects were evaluated using as regards HCV-Abs, HBsAg, aminotransferases, serum bilirubin, serum albumin, serum C-reactive protein, serum iron, serum alpha-fetoprotein, and serum osteopontin. Results: The results showed a statistically significant elevation of the mean serum OPN level in group 4 in comparison to both groups 1 and 2, and in group 6 in comparison to both groups 1 and 2. There is also a statistically significant elevation of the mean serum OPN level in group 2 in comparison to group 1, in group 4 in comparison to both groups 3 and 5, and in group 6 in comparison to both groups 3 and 5. Conclusion: Smoking increases osteopontin levels in sera of HCV-positive patients compared to its level in HCV-positive nonsmokers.