Global DNA 5hmC and CK19^5hmC+ Contents: A Promising Biomarker for Predicting Prognosis in Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) with dynamic existence possesses multiple regulatory functions. Whereas, 5hmC’s impact on small hepatocellular carcinoma (SHCC) remains unclear. The present work focused on characterizing 5hmC content within SHCC and assessing the possibility of using global genomic 5hmC level as the predicative factor of clinical outcome. Methods: This study applied ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) in measuring 5mC, 5fC and 5hmC contents. In addition, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was adopted to measure CK19 and 5hmC contents. Results: Research showed 5mC, 5hmC, and 5fC contents from global genomics of SHCC reduced extensively compared with healthy samples (p p 5hmC+) should be ascribed to the bad prognosis among SHCC patients. Conclusions: The contents of 5hmC and CK195hmC+ of genomic DNA might be adopted for predicting SHCC survival as an important biomarker.

Keywords

• small hepatocellular carcinoma
• CK19
• 5hmC
• DNA methylation
• prognosis