Serum expression and diagnostic potential of long non-coding RNAs NEAT1 and TUG1 in viral hepatitis C and viral hepatitis C-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

BackgroundThe present study investigated the serum detectability and the diagnostic implications of long non-coding RNAs; nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) and taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) in viral hepatitis C (HCV) and HCV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsThe study included twenty healthy controls, forty non-malignant HCV patients and forty HCV-associated HCC patients. The study assessed liver function tests, the antioxidant status, serum alpha fetoprotein, p53, NEAT1 and TUG1.ResultsDiminished serum expression of NEAT1 and TUG1 was observed in HCV and HCV-associated HCC and was closely associated with deregulated liver function and elevated AFP levels. A model of NEAT1, TUG1 and AFP accurately differentiated between HCC patients and healthy controls with sensitivity greater than that of AFP alone. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of a model of TUG1, p53 and AFP was superior to that of each marker alone for predicting HCC in HCV patients.ConclusionSignificant alterations in the serum expression of NEAT1 and TUG1 in HCV and HCV-associated HCC patients were recorded. We propose NEAT1 and TUG1 as non-invasive, cost-effective and complementary biomarkers that improve the diagnostic characteristics of AFP.