DIFFERENTIAL GLUT1 EXPRESSION IN HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA AND PERI-MALIGNANT CHRONIC VIRUS C HEPATITIS

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus [HCV] is a major public health concern. Hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] is one of the most fatal cancers in humans with rising incidence in many regions around the world. Glucose is the major source of energy for cells. Cancer cells are known to have increased glucose uptake and enhanced glycolytic metabolism. Glucose transporter 1 [GLUT1] is a ratelimiting transporter for glucose uptake, and its expression correlates with glycolysis. GLUT1 is over expressed in many human cancers including HCC. Results: GLUT1 expression was detected in 85.7%, 83.3% and 50% of HCC, dysplasia and peri- malignant groups respectively. GLUT1 expression was mainly expressed as membranous staining in all studied groups; however cytoplasmic and nuclear expression were also detected. Marked intensity staining was detected only in HCC group while mild intensity predominated in peri- malignant group. Mean percentage of GLUT1 positive hepatocytes increased significantly in HCC group than in other groups and increased with rising in HCC grade. Patchy pattern of GLUT1 expression predominates in all groups. Conclusion: GLUT1 lower expression in peri-malignant tissue and its higher expression in dysplastic lesions and sustained expression in hepatocellular carcinoma indicates that changes in GLUT1 levels represent early events during the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. So GLUT1 can be a reliable marker in the diagnosis of premalignant lesions associated with HCV infection, and usage of antagonists to GLUT1 can regulate tumor metabolism and inhibit the progression of chronic liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma.