Research status and prospect of circular RNAs in diabetic retinopathy / 中华眼底病杂志

The mechanisms behind diabetic retinopathy (DR) can be ascribed primarily to retinal microvascular abnormalities, excessive inflammatory response and neurodegeneration. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a type of endogenous non-coding RNA with a special circular structure, which is mainly composed of precursor RNA after shearing and processing. It is widely present in the retina and participates in the occurrence and development of various fundus diseases. CircRNAs express in an abnormal way in retina, serving as "the sponge" for miRNA so as to play roles in dysfunction of retinal vascular, inflammatory response and neurodegeneration in the development of DR. Further studies for circRNAs in DR will illustrate pathophysiology of DR more deeply, shedding light on circRNAs becoming novel biomarkers and molecular targets for diagnosis and treatment, thus achieving the goal of early diagnosis and precise therapy of DR.

What lessons can we learn? Clinical and epidemiological retrospective analysis of 267 patients with urticaria in a Brazilian tertiary center

Abstract Background: There are few epidemiological studies of urticaria, published in the indexed literature (PubMed/Medline). Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical data among patients with urticaria/angioedema attending a reference clinic in Brazil. Methods: Two hundred sixty-seven patients were evaluated retrospectively considering demographic data, time course of the disease, triggering symptoms, the presence of angioedema, complementary laboratory tests including total blood count, reactive-C protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, IgE serum levels, and other, as necessary. Results: The most commonly diagnosed type of urticaria was chronic spontaneous urticaria (56.93%). Angioedema was associated with chronic urticaria in 108 patients (40.08%). Study limitations: Unicentered and retrospective. Conclusion: Some relevant findings in this study are the observation of a female prevalence of cases (4-females: 1-man), a result more elevated than demonstrated in previous studies in Europe and Asia, the median age was 43-years old and the delay of time between the diagnosis of urticaria and the admission for treatment in a specialized center was approximately 2-years. Other multicenter studies can better establish these differences in Brazilian patients.

What lessons can we learn? Clinical and epidemiological retrospective analysis of 267 patients with urticaria in a Brazilian tertiary center.

BACKGROUND: There are few epidemiological studies of urticaria, published in the indexed literature (PubMed/Medline). OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical data among patients with urticaria/angioedema attending a reference clinic in Brazil. METHODS: Two hundred sixty-seven patients were evaluated retrospectively considering demographic data, time course of the disease, triggering symptoms, the presence of angioedema, complementary laboratory tests including total blood count, reactive-C protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, IgE serum levels, and other, as necessary. RESULTS: The most commonly diagnosed type of urticaria was chronic spontaneous urticaria (56.93%). Angioedema was associated with chronic urticaria in 108 patients (40.08%). STUDY LIMITATIONS: Unicentered and retrospective. CONCLUSION: Some relevant findings in this study are the observation of a female prevalence of cases (4-females: 1-man), a result more elevated than demonstrated in previous studies in Europe and Asia, the median age was 43-years old and the delay of time between the diagnosis of urticaria and the admission for treatment in a specialized center was approximately 2-years. Other multicenter studies can better establish these differences in Brazilian patients.

Current research status and application value of cytokines in drug-induced liver injury / 临床肝胆病杂志

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) refers to liver injury caused by one or more drugs or their metabolites after use. Due to the various types of drugs and large differences between individuals, there are many difficulties in the clinical diagnosis of DILI, and the search for new biomarkers has become a research hotspot. Related studies have shown that cytokines play a key role in DILI, especially idiosyncratic DILI. This article outlines the role of different cytokines in DILI and their value in predicting the severity and evaluating prognosis of DILI. It is pointed out that cytokines have a broad application prospect as biomarkers for DILI.

BRAFV600E and KIT immunoexpression in early-stage melanoma

Abstract: Melanoma is widely known as the most lethal skin cancer. Specific tumor-related mortality can be significantly reduced if diagnosis and treatment are properly performed during initial phases of the disease. The current search for biomarkers in early-stage melanomas is a high-priority challenge for physicians and researchers. We aimed to assess the immunoexpression of BRAFV600E and KIT in a case series consisting of 44 early-stage melanomas. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples were systematically evaluated using a semi-quantitative method based on scores of percentage and intensity for immunostained tumor cells. We observed significant concordance between BRAFV600E and KIT immunoexpression in thin invasive melanomas. Our findings corroborate previous evidence showing abnormal expression of proteins associated with MAPK intracellular signaling pathway in early-stage melanomas.

Expression and clinical significance of long non-coding RNA SBF2-AS1 in non-small cell lung cancer / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective To investigate the expression and clinical significance of long non-coding RNA SBF2-AS1 (SBF2 antisense RNA 1) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect SBF2-AS1 expressions in 114 cases of NSCLC tissues and the adjacent normal tissues to analyze its relationship with clinic-pathological characteristics,diagnostic value and prognosis in NSCLC.Results SBF2-AS1 expression was significantly higher in the NSCLC (4.336 ±0.032) compared with the adjacent normal tissues (1.256 ± 0.021),with a significant difference (t =3.594,P =0.005).The expression of SBF2-AS1 was related with tumor size (x2 =13.072,P =0.001),lymphatic metastasis (x2 =6.896,P =0.009),TNM stage (x2 =8.566,P =0.003),smoking history (x2 =8.769,P =0.003) and infiltration degree (x2 =17.852,P =0.001),but was not related with age (x2 =0.141,P =0.707),sex (x2 =0.036,P =0.850) and pathological type (x2 =1.267,P =0.260).The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.853 (95 ％ CI:0.755-0.879,P =0.004).The sensitivity and specificity was 52.4％ and 87.8％,respectively.The difference betwen low SBF2-AS1 expression and high SBF2-AS1 expression groups was statistically significant in overall survival time (42.3 months vs.25.2 months,x2 =4.753,P =0.013).Conclusion The expression of SBF2-AS1 is upregulated in NSCLC and may be proved useful as a biomarker and diagnostic target for the treatment of patients with NSCLC.

The Efficacy of Add-on Telbivudine Versus Switching to Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2a in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients With Poor Responses to Adefovir.

BACKGROUND: There are limited options for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who have poor responses to adefovir (ADV). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of adding on telbivudine (LdT) or switching to pegylated interferon alfa-2a (PEG-IFN-α2a) as alternative rescue therapies for patients with poor responses to the initial ADV treatments. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-seven CHB patients with HBV DNA > 2 log10 copies/mL 48 weeks after ADV monotherapy were included in this study. Fifty-nine of these patients were treated with a combination of LdT plus ADV (LdT + ADV) daily, while thirty-eight patients were switched to PEG-IFN-α2a subcutaneous injections weekly for 48 weeks. RESULTS: Both rescue strategies were proven to be safe and the majority of patients tolerated the therapies well. LdT + ADV led to more rapid reductions in viral loads than PEG-IFN-α2a monotherapy, with 2.14 (LdT + ADV) and 0.98 (PEG-IFN-α2a) log10 copies/mL decreases 48 weeks after rescue treatments, respectively (P < 0.00001). The rates corresponding to virological and biochemical responses were also elevated in patients who received the LdT + ADV combination therapy at the end of the observation period (88.1 vs. 68.4% for virological response, P = 0.017; 83.3 vs. 47.2%, P = 0.00045). However, the decline in the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was more pronounced in PEG-IFN-α2a treated patients. Moreover, the cumulative rates of serological responses were higher in patients who switched to the PEG-IFN-α2a therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Both add-on LdT and switching to PEG-IFN-α2a were satisfactory and optimal treatments for CHB patients with poor responses to ADV. Both rescue strategies resulted in significant reductions in serum viral load and ALT levels, and were associated with high rate of serological outcomes in our hospital.

Soluble ST2 Testing: A Promising Biomarker in the Management of Heart Failure / Teste com ST2 Solúvel: Um Biomarcador Promissor no Tratamento da Insuficiência Cardíaca

Abstract ST2 is a member of the interleukin-1 receptor family biomarker and circulating soluble ST2 concentrations are believed to reflect cardiovascular stress and fibrosis. Recent studies have demonstrated soluble ST2 to be a strong predictor of cardiovascular outcomes in both chronic and acute heart failure. It is a new biomarker that meets all required criteria for a useful biomarker. Of note, it adds information to natriuretic peptides (NPs) and some studies have shown it is even superior in terms of risk stratification. Since the introduction of NPs, this has been the most promising biomarker in the field of heart failure and might be particularly useful as therapy guide.

Resumo ST2 é um biomarcador pertencente à família dos receptores de interleucina-1 e concentrações do ST2 solúvel refletem fibrose e estresse cardiovascular. Estudos recentes demonstram que o ST2 solúvel é um forte preditor de desfechos cardiovasculares em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca crônica e aguda. Trata-se de um novo biomarcador que preenche critérios necessários para uso na prática clínica. Ele acrescenta informação aos peptídeos natriuréticos (PNs) e em alguns estudos tem sido até superior a estes em relação à estratificação de risco. Desde a introdução dos PNs, este é o biomarcador mais promissor na área de insuficiência cardíaca e pode vir a ser particularmente útil para guiar a terapia.

Galectin-3: A Link between Myocardial and Arterial Stiffening in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure? / Galectina-3: Ligação entre Rigidez Miocárdica e Arterial em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca Descompensada?

Abstract Background: Heart failure is accompanied by abnormalities in ventricular-vascular interaction due to increased myocardial and arterial stiffness. Galectin-3 is a recently discovered biomarker that plays an important role in myocardial and vascular fibrosis and heart failure progression. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether galectin-3 is correlated with arterial stiffening markers and impaired ventricular-arterial coupling in decompensated heart failure patients. Methods: A total of 79 inpatients with acute decompensated heart failure were evaluated. Serum galectin-3 was determined at baseline, and during admission, transthoracic echocardiography and measurements of vascular indices by Doppler ultrasonography were performed. Results: Elevated pulse wave velocity and low arterial carotid distensibility are associated with heart failure in patients with preserved ejection fraction (p = 0.04, p = 0.009). Pulse wave velocity, carotid distensibility and Young’s modulus did not correlate with serum galectin-3 levels. Conversely, raised galectin-3 levels correlated with an increased ventricular-arterial coupling ratio (Ea/Elv) p = 0.047, OR = 1.9, 95% CI (1.0‑3.6). Increased galectin-3 levels were associated with lower rates of left ventricular pressure rise in early systole (dp/dt) (p=0.018) and raised pulmonary artery pressure (p = 0.046). High galectin-3 levels (p = 0.038, HR = 3.07) and arterial pulmonary pressure (p = 0.007, HR = 1.06) were found to be independent risk factors for all-cause mortality and readmissions. Conclusions: This study showed no significant correlation between serum galectin-3 levels and arterial stiffening markers. Instead, high galectin-3 levels predicted impaired ventricular-arterial coupling. Galectin-3 may be predictive of raised pulmonary artery pressures. Elevated galectin-3 levels correlate with severe systolic dysfunction and together with pulmonary hypertension are independent markers of outcome.

Resumo Fundamento: A insuficiência cardíaca é acompanhada por anormalidades na interação ventrículo-vascular devido à rigidez miocárdica e arterial aumentada. A galectina-3 é um biomarcador recentemente descoberto que exerce um importante papel na fibrose miocárdica e vascular, e na progressão da insuficiência cardíaca. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar se a galectina-3 está correlacionada com marcadores de rigidez arterial e acoplamento ventriculoarterial deficiente em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca descompensada. Métodos: Um total de 79 pacientes internados com insuficiência cardíaca descompensada foi avaliado. Galectina-3 sérica basal foi determinada e, durante a admissão hospitalar, foram realizadas ecocardiografia transtorácica e medidas de índices vasculares por ultrassonografia Doppler. Resultados: Velocidade de onda de pulso elevada e baixa distensibilidade da artéria carótida estão associadas com insuficiência cardíaca em pacientes com fração de ejeção preservada (p = 0,04, p = 0,009). Velocidade de pulso, distensibilidade da artéria carótida e módulo de Young não se correlacionaram com níveis séricos de galectina-3. Por outro lado, níveis elevados de galectina-3 correlacionaram com razão de acoplamento ventriculoarterial aumentada (Ea/Elv) p = 0,047, OR = 1,9, IC 95% (1,0-3,6). Níveis aumentados de galectina-3 estavam associados com taxas mais baixas de pressão ventricular esquerda na fase inicial da sístole (dp/dt) (p = 0,018), e pressão arterial pulmonar aumentada (p = 0,046). Os resultados mostraram que níveis elevados de galectina-3 (p = 0,038, HR = 3,07) e pressão pulmonar arterial (p = 0,007, HR = 1,06) são fatores de risco independentes para mortalidade de todas as causas e reinternações hospitalares. Conclusões: O estudo mostrou que não houve correlação significativa entre níveis séricos de galectina-3 e marcadores de rigidez arterial. Altos níveis de galectina-3, por outro lado, foi um preditor de acoplamento ventriculoarterial deficiente. A galectina-3 pode ser um preditor de pressões arteriais pulmonares aumentadas. Níveis elevados de galectina-3 correlacionam-se com disfunção sistólica grave e, juntamente com hipertensão pulmonar, é um marcador independente de desfecho.

Renal biomarkers of male and female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) undergoing renal ischemia and reperfusion

PURPOSE: To investigate biomarkers of acute renal injury in Wistar rats, subjected to left renal ischemia for 10 minutes, and then compare reperfusion at 24 hours, and at 5, 7, 14 and 21 days after the procedure. METHODS: Eight female and male rats between 60 and 81 days old were used in the Central Animal Facility of the UFMS. Assessed biomarkers included urine protein, urea, creatinine, glucose, sodium, potassium, urine alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities, and protein-to-creatinine ratio; and in serum: urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium, fractional excretion of sodium, potassium, urine flow and creatinine clearance. RESULTS: Greater variance was observed in the parameters at 24 hours and at five days (p<0.05) after reperfusion. On the 21st day, these parameters approximated those obtained for the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Renal ischemia for 10 minutes was sufficient to raise urine levels of protein, glucose, fractional excretion of potassium, urea, creatinine clearance, urine activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes in the first 24 hours, up to five days after reperfusion, which may indicate risk of acute kidney injury, according to the RIFLE classification. .

Microparticles as Potential Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Disease / Micropartículas como Possíveis Biomarcadores da Doença Cardiovascular

Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease is a choice of great relevance because of its impact on health. Some biomarkers, such as microparticles derived from different cell populations, have been considered useful in the assessment of cardiovascular disease. Microparticles are released by the membrane structures of different cell types upon activation or apoptosis, and are present in the plasma of healthy individuals (in levels considered physiological) and in patients with different pathologies. Many studies have suggested an association between microparticles and different pathological conditions, mainly the relationship with the development of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the effects of different lipid-lowering therapies have been described in regard to measurement of microparticles. The studies are still controversial regarding the levels of microparticles that can be considered pathological. In addition, the methodologies used still vary, suggesting the need for standardization of the different protocols applied, aiming at using microparticles as biomarkers in clinical practice.

A prevenção primária da doença cardiovascular constitui uma opção de grande relevância pelos seus impactos na saúde. Alguns biomarcadores têm sido considerados úteis na avaliação da doença cardiovascular, dentre eles micropartículas originadas de diferentes populações de células. Micropartículas são estruturas liberadas pela membrana de diferentes tipos celulares após ativação ou apoptose, presentes tanto no plasma de indivíduos saudáveis (níveis considerados fisiológicos) quanto em portadores de diferentes doenças. Muitos estudos têm sugerido uma associação entre micropartículas e diferentes condições patológicas, destacando-se a relação com o desenvolvimento das doenças cardiovasculares. Além disso, têm sido descritos os efeitos de diferentes terapias hipolipemiantes na mensuração de micropartículas. Os estudos ainda são controversos quanto aos níveis de micropartículas que possam ser considerados patológicos, e os métodos utilizados ainda são variados, o que sugere a necessidade da padronização dos diferentes protocolos utilizados, visando à utilização de micropartículas como biomarcadores úteis na prática clínica.

Avaliação do tempo de início do tratamento, estadiamento histopatológico e positividade dos biomarcadores (RE, RP, HER-2) em 3.566 pacientes tratadas pelo SUS no período de 2012 a 2014, no Hospital Pérola Byington / Evaluation of starting treatment time, histopathological staging and positivity of biomarkers (ER, PR, HER-2) in 3,566 patients treated by SUS from 2012 to 2014, at Perola Byington Hospital

A finalidade do estudo foi avaliar o tempo para início de tratamento, idade, estadiamento cirúrgico e a positividade dos biomarcadores (ER, PR e HER-2) em 3.566 pacientes com carcinoma de mama atendidas pelo SUS no período de janeiro de 2012 a dezembro de 2014, no Hospital Pérola Byington (SP). O tempo mediano para o início da terapêutica foi de 32 dias. A idade das pacientes variou de 12 a 98 anos, sendo 49 pacientes (1,4%) com menos de 30 anos, 396 (11,1%) entre 30 e 39 anos, 1.002 (28,1%) entre 40 e 49 anos, 1.737 (48,7%) entre 50 e 69 anos e 382 (10,7%) acima de 70 anos. Quanto ao estadiamento, 8,1% dos tumores tratados foram ?in situ?, 17,2% encontravam-se no Estádio I, 43,1% no II, 28,6% no III e apenas 3% no Estádio IV. A positividade dos receptores de estrogênio e/ou progesterona foi de 72,9% e a de HER-2 de 17,4 %. Os tumores luminais A e B representaram, respectivamente, 23 e 46%; e os triplo-negativos, 17,5% dos casos. Os dados mostram um expressivo número de pacientes com tumores in situ e predomínio de pacientes nos Estádio I e II.

The purpose of the study was the time to start treatment, age, surgical staging and the positivity of biomarkers (ER, PR and HER-2) in 3,566 patients with breast carcinoma served by SUS from January 2012 to December 2014 in Perola Byington Hospital (SP), Brazil. The median time to initiation of therapy was 32 days. The age of patients ranged from 12 to 98 years with 49 patients (1.4%) with less than 30 years, 396 (11.1%) between 30 and 39 years, 1,002 (28.1%) between 40 and 49 years, 1,737 (48.7%) between 50 and 69 years and 382 (10.7%) over 70 years. As to staging, 8.1% of the tumors were treated ?in situ?, 17.2% were in stage I, 43.1% in II, III and 28.6% in only 3% in Stage IV. The positivity of the estrogen receptor and/or progesterone was 72.9% and the HER-2 17.4%. Tumors luminal A and B represented by 23 and 46% and triple-negative, 17.5% of cases. The data show a significant number of patients with tumors in situ and prevalence of patients in Stage I and II.

Effect of allopurinol on the kidney function, histology and injury biomarker (NGAL, IL 18) levels in uninephrectomised rats subjected to ischaemia-reperfusion injury

PURPOSE: To investigate whether allopurinol exerts a protective effect on kidneys by measuring new kidney injury biomarkers (NGALp, NGALu, KIM 1 and IL 18) and analysing the renal function and histology in uninephrectomised rats subjected to ischaemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Thirty two Wistar rats were randomly allocated to four groups: Sham (S): laparotomy; Control (C): laparotomy and ischaemia-reperfusion in the left kidney; Control Allopurinol (CA): laparotomy and allopurinol at a dose of 100mg·kg 1·d 1; and Allopurinol (A): laparotomy ischaemia-reperfusion in the left kidney and allopurinol at a dose of 100mg·kg 1·d 1. The NGALp, NGALu, KIM 1, IL 18 and creatinine levels and the kidney histology were analysed. The significance level was established as p<0.05. RESULTS: Creatinine level increased in all the groups, with A ≈ C > S ≈ CA. The NGALp, NGALu and IL 18 levels exhibited similar behaviour in all the groups. KIM 1 was higher in group A than C and showed intermediate values in groups S and CA. Severity of injury in the left kidney was greater in groups C and A compared to S and CA. CONCLUSION: Allopurinol did not exert protective or damaging effects on the kidneys of rats subjected to ischaemia-reperfusion injury. .

Marcadores bioquímicos do infarto agudo do miocárdio / Biochemical markers of acute myocardial infarction

Introdução: Número crescente de biomarcadores tem sido usado para auxiliar no diagnóstico do infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM), estratificação de risco dos pacientes e predição de eventos após a síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA). Alguns desses biomarcadores são amplamente usados na prática clínica, outros ainda não apresentam evidências científicas que sustentem seu uso clínico. Objetivos: analisar o significadoclínico dos diversos marcadores bioquímicos descritos para o IAM, isolados ou combinados, buscando-se a descrição de acordo com a origem, comportamento na evolução da doença, incluindo validação, limitação diagnóstica e significado clínico em diferentes contextos. Métodos: realizada pesquisa bibliográfica usando a base de dados PubMed, por intermédio de artigos originais e revisões sobre biomarcadores para o IAM. A busca limitou-se aos artigos escritos em inglês, publicados nos últimos cinco anos. Resultados: foram obtidos 90 artigos, dos quais 57 foram excluídos. Dos 32 estudos selecionados, 14 eram randomizados e controlados. Após análise judiciosa, foramdescritos vários biomarcadores: troponina, creatinoquinase fração MB, mioglobina, H-FABP, BNP e seu fragmento N-terminal inativo, ANP, copeptin, fator-15 de diferenciação e crescimento, proteína receptora da interleucina-1, cardiotrofina, mieloperoxidase, endotelina 1, entre outros. Conclusões: as troponinas T e I (na admissão e 6-9h após injúria) seguidas pela CK-MB massa são os biomarcadores sugeridos para avaliação de lesão miocárdica. O hs-TnI e hs-TnT são muito sensíveis nos estágios precoces e a CK-MB massa tem sido útil para diagnóstico de reinfarto, pelo seu curto período de meia-vida. Todos os demais biomarcadores estudados, seja na inclusão ou exclusão de hipóteses, foram importantes para o diagnóstico e/ou prognóstico do IAM. Entretanto, ainda são necessários novos estudos para confirmar os dados presentes.

Introduction: A number of biomarkers have been used to aid in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), in the risk stratification of patients and for predicting events after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Some of these biomarkers are widely used in clinical practice whileothers still have no scientific evidence to support their clinical use. Objectives: To analyze the clinical significance of the various biochemical markers for AMI, alone or in combined use, seeking a description according to the source, behavior in the evolution of the disease, including validation, diagnostic limitations, and clinical significance in different contexts. Methods: We performed a literature review using the PubMed database, including original articles and reviews on the use of biomarkers for AMI. The search was limited to articles written in English, published in the last five years. Results: 90 articles were accessed, 57 of which were excluded. Of the 32 selected studies, 14 were randomized and controlled. After judicious analysis, several biomarkers were described: troponin, creatine kinase-MB fraction, myoglobin, H-FABP, BNP and its inactive N-terminal fragment, ANP, copeptin, growth/differentiation factor-15, interleukin-1 receptor antagonis, cardiotrophin, myeloperoxidase, endothelin- 1, among others. Conclusions: troponins T and I (at baseline and 6-9h after event) followed by CK-MB mass are the suggested biomarkers for assessing myocardial injury. Hs-cTnI and hs-TnT are very sensitive in the early stages and CK-MB mass has been useful in reinfarction diagnoses given its short half-life. All other biomarkers studied, either for hypotheses inclusion or exclusion, were important for thediagnosis and/or prognosis of AMI. However, further studies are needed to confirm the present data.

Application of proteomics in study of hepatocellular carcinoma / 临床肝胆病杂志

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)is one of the most fatal malignant tumors worldwide.As an important part of cutting-edge re-search fields,proteomics has been widely used in the studies of related diseases and has currently become a crucial experimental approach to research on HCC.Significantly expressed proteins can be identified as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and targets for therapeutic drugs for HCC.Moreover,they can be used for prediction of the recurrence and prognosis of HCC,as well as for investigation of pathogene-sis of the disease.The proteomic results from worldwide clinical studies of HCC are summarized,and it is suggested that the clinical applica-tion of results of basic research on HCC proteomics will bring great benefit to the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.