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Authors Wang J, Huang J, Ma Q, Liu G
Received 31 December 2018
Accepted for publication 25 February 2019
Published 17 April 2019 Volume 2019:11 Pages 3339—3347
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/CMAR.S199968
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single-blind
Peer reviewers approved by Dr Colin Mak
Peer reviewer comments 2
Editor who approved publication: Dr Chien-Feng Li
Objectives: In this
study, we aim to investigate the correlations of quantitative parameters of
contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and Spalt-Like Transcription Factor 4
(Sall4)/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway with clinicopathological features and
prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods: The CEUS
was performed to detect the liver function and the prognosis of patients. The
expression of Sall4, WNT3a and β-catenin was evaluated using
immunohistochemical staining. Sall4, WNT3a and β-catenin mRNA expression was
measured by SYBR green qPCR assay.
Results: We found
that the mRNA and protein expression of Sall4, WNT3a and β-catenin in the HCC
tissues were significantly upregulated compared with the adjacent normal
tissues. Upregulation of these proteins was associated with tumor differentiation,
TNM stage, tumor size, vascular invasion and liver cirrhosis of HCC patients.
In addition, we found that decreased time to peak and washout time and
increased peak intensity and area under the curve of CEUS in the HCC were also
correlated with TNM stage, tumor size and vascular invasion. Moreover, Sall4,
WNT3a and β-catenin protein were significantly associated with the TTP, PI,
AUC, and WOT.
Conclusion: This
study suggests that quantitative parameters of CEUS and Sall4/Wnt/β-catenin
signaling may be helpful for early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of HCC
patients.
Keywords: hepatocellular
carcinoma, Sall4, wnt signaling, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, early
diagnosis