KHẢO SÁT NỒNG ĐỘ PROPROTEIN CONVERTASE SUBTILISIN/KEXIN TYPE 9 HUYẾT TƯƠNG TRÊN BỆNH NHÂN XƠ GAN VÀ UNG THƯ BIỂU MÔ TẾ BÀO GAN

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the value of plasma PCSK9 in differentiating cirrhosis from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), thereby providing additional evidence for its potential application in early screening and diagnosis of HCC. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 50 patients with cirrhosis and 50 patients with HCC. Plasma PCSK9 concentrations were measured using the ELISA technique. Results: Median plasma PCSK9 levels were significantly higher in HCC patients compared with those with cirrhosis (176.2 vs. 102.5 ng/mL; p < 0.001). Plasma PCSK9 differentiated HCC from cirrhosis with an AUC of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.70–0.86); at the cutoff value of 140 ng/mL, sensitivity and specificity were 72.0% and 74.0%, respectively. In addition, PCSK9 levels showed a moderate positive correlation with AFP (r = 0.46; p < 0.001) and platelet count (r = 0.38; p = 0.002), and a negative correlation with total bilirubin (r = –0.41; p < 0.001).Conclusion: Plasma PCSK9 levels in HCC patients were significantly higher than in those with cirrhosis (176.2 vs. 102.5 ng/mL; p < 0.001), with a diagnostic AUC of 0.78; at the cutoff of 140 ng/mL, sensitivity was 72% and specificity 74%. PCSK9 demonstrates preliminary potential as a supportive biomarker for screening and early detection of HCC in cirrhotic patients.