Abstract
Background: HCC accounts for 90% of all primary liver cancers around the world. HCC is the fifth most frequent cancer in the world and the second largest cause of cancer-related death. HCC will be the first indication for liver transplantation by 2030.The need for a marker to detect HCC cases early is critical. Melatonin is a hormone, and when its hemostasis is disrupted by cirrhosis, it may be linked to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim is to assess blood melatonin levels in patients with liver cirrhosis (compensated and decompensated) and HCC. Subject and Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional study with 22 patients with compensated liver cirrhosis, 22 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, 22 patients with HCC, and 22 healthy subjects as a control group. Laboratory tests, as well as abdominal ultrasound and spiral CT, were performed as needed. Melatonin levels were measured using an ELISA kit in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Results: In compensated liver cirrhosis, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between serum melatonin and age, as well as a significant positive correlation between melatonin, (Hb), (WBCs), and (platelets) in decompensated liver cirrhosis. Serum melatonin has low statistical sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value. Conclusion: The melatonin levels in the compensated, decompensated and HCC groups were lower than in the control groups, the difference was not statistically significant. Abbreviations: HCC / Hepatocellular carcinoma. CT/ Computed tomography. ELISA /Enzyme-linked immunoassay. Hb / Hemoglobin. WBCs/ White blood cells
Keywords: Liver Cirrhosis, Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), Apoptosis, Melatonin.