ANALYSIS THE ALPHA-PROTEIN LEVEL IN HEPATITIS PATIENT AS AN AID IN ASSESSING THE DEGREE IN WHICH IT GENERATES TO HCC

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent types of liver cancer worldwide, often arising in the context of chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis B or C infection. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a well-known biomarker that has been used for decades in the surveillance and diagnosis of HCC. However, its role in predicting the degree to which hepatitis progresses to HCC remains controversial. This study aimed to analyze the levels of AFP in hepatitis patients and assess its utility in predicting the development of HCC. A total of 200 patients with chronic hepatitis were included in the study, with a mean age of 55 years and a male-to-female ratio of 32. Blood samples were collected from each patient, and AFP levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Patients were followed up for a period of 5 years to monitor for the development of HCC. The results showed that 30% of the patients had elevated AFP levels at the time of diagnosis with chronic hepatitis. Among these patients, 15% went on to develop HCC during the follow-up period. In contrast, only 5% of patients with normal AFP levels developed HCC. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between elevated AFP levels and the development of HCC (p < 0.05). Furthermore, subgroup analysis based on hepatitis B and C infection status showed that patients with hepatitis B had higher baseline AFP levels compared to those with hepatitis C. Interestingly, the rate of progression to HCC was also higher in the hepatitis B group, particularly in patients with elevated AFP levels. In conclusion, our findings suggest that analysis of AFP levels in hepatitis patients can aid in assessing the degree to which hepatitis progresses to HCC. Patients with elevated AFP levels at the time of hepatitis diagnosis should be closely monitored for the development of HCC. Future studies should focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms by which AFP contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis and explore the potential of AFP as a therapeutic target for HCC.