Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant type of primary liver cancer, accounting for 70–85% of all cases, and is associated with severe morbidity and mortality.(1,2)Cirrhosis from any etiology is the strongest risk factor for HCC. HCC is the leading cause of death in patients with cirrhosis, with an annual HCC incidence of 1–6%.(3,4)
The use of several serum markers to detect the early diagnosis of HCC is highly recommended. There are many trials to discover a more sensitive and specific marker for HCC diagnosis.(5)
Hepcidin (encoded by HAMP gene) is the liver-secreted 25-amino acid hormone that maintains systemic iron homeostasis inthe body. In HCC, iron-sensing is dysregulated, which in turninfers dysregulation of hepcidin and its modulators. Several studies indicatedthe important role of hepcidin in the progression of liver pathologyand in cancer development, progression, and metastasis.(6,7)
Aim of the Work:
This study aimed to assess the serum level of hepcidin as a potential biomarker for HCC in cirrhotic patients.