Serum Galectin-3 Levels in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Liver Cirrhosis and Chronic Viral Hepatitis

Background: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a global health problem. It is the fifth most common solid tumor and the third cause of cancer-related mortality per year.In Egypt, it represents 75% of malignant liver tumors. Early detection and diagnosis of these cases are required for successful treatments and improved outcomes. Aim of the Work: this study aimed to detect serum galactin-3 levels in patients with HCC, liver cirrhosis and chronic viral hepatitis (HBV, or HCV) patients. Patients and Methods: this prospective study was conducted on a total of 60 patients, 20 of them with chronic viral hepatitis B or C, 20 with cirrhosis secondary to chronic viral hepatitis and 20 with HCC secondary to chronic viral hepatitis. It was carried out at the Clinical Pathology Department, Tanta University Hospital. Results: the mean galectin‑3 levels were 15.5 ng/mL (±5.5) in HCC patients, 20.46 ng/mL (±7.56) in cirrhotic patients and 7.003 ng/mL (±4.24) in chronic viral hepatitis group. There were statistical differences between HCC and cirrhotic patients (P< 0.03), but they were lower in chronic hepatitis group statistically compared to cirrhosis and HCC (P< 0.001). Conclusion: serum galectin‑3 levels in patients with chronic HBV or HCV may guide us about progression to cirrhosis or HCC and prognosis of the disease. In these patients, if galectin‑3 levels were found to be high, serum alpha‑feto protein level and ultrasonographic examination could be repeated at more frequent intervals. This may also guide us in terms of the treatment plan. Recommendations: it was recommended to measure changes of galectin-3 in hepatitis carries. Measurement of galectin-3 in a large scale of patients to explore its prognostic value.