Possible Role of LAPTM4B Polymorphism as Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Egyptian Patients

Background and Aim of Work: Lysosome-associated pro-tein transmembrane-4 beta (LAPTM4B) is a novel cancer-related gene. Recent studies have reported that the LAPTM4B polymorphism increased the susceptibility of several cancers, this study aimed to explore the association of lysosomal associated transmembrane protein 4B (LAPTM4B) gene polymorphism with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Egyp-tian patients and whether this genetic polymorphism is asso-ciated with the clinicopatho logical characteristics of the disease. Subjects and Methods: The study included 70 HCC patients and 50 controls. LAPTM4B gene DNA was extracted from 200ml of the whole blood samples followed by Genotyping of LAPTM4B polymorphism by PCR. Results: Significant differences in the prevalence of LAPTM4B genotypes between patients and healthy subjects were detected. Comparing the genotypes (2*/2* and 1*/2*) in the 2 different groups, taking 1 */1 * as reference the p-values were 0.006 (OR=4.522 95% CI=1.462-13.987) and 0.251 (OR=1.606 95% CI=0.713-3.618) respectively. The allele *2 was significantly different between the 2 groups (p=0.003 OR=2.247 95% CI=1.304-3.874). But there was on significant association between LAPTM4B polymorphism and clinical features of the disease. Conclusion: LAPTM4B *2/2 showed a potential risk factor for HCC while LAPTM4B*1/1 can be considered a protective one.