Impact of insulin-like growth factor 2, insulin-like growth factor receptor 2, insulin receptor substrate 2 genes polymorphisms on susceptibility and clinicopathological features of hepatocellular carcinoma

• Serum IGF-2 levels were lower in HCC patients than in controls.
• IGF-2, IRS-2 1057 polymorphisms were significantly associated with HCC risk.
• IGF-2 +3580 AA and IGF-2R 1619 GG combination have a protective effect against HCC.
• IGF-2 levels were increased in HCC patients with the IGF-2 +3580 AA genotype.
• Increased AFP, tumor size, and number were accompanied by an increase of IGF-2.

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) is an important autocrine and paracrine growth factor which may induce cell proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis leading to the transformation of normal cells into malignant cells. This study aimed to evaluate the possible roles of IGF-2, insulin-like growth factor-2 receptor (IGF-2R), and insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-2 genes polymorphisms in susceptibility and clinicopathological features of HCC in Egyptian population.Materials and methodsFour hundred and twenty-six HCC patients and 334 controls were enrolled in the study. Polymorphisms of IGF-2 +3580, IGF-2 +3123, IGF-2R 1619, and IRS-2 1057 gene were detected using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Serum IGF-2 were determined using ELISA.ResultsSerum IGF-2 levels were significantly lower in HCC patients than in healthy controls. IGF-2 +3580 AA genotype, IGF-2 +3123 GG genotype or G allele, IRS-2 1057 DD genotype and D allele were significantly associated with HCC risk. The combination of IGF-2 +3580 AA homozygosity and IGF-2R 1619 GG homozygosity presented a significant protective effect against HCC (OR = 0.16,95% CI = 0. 08–0.34, P = 0. 005). Serum IGF-2 concentrations were significantly increased in HCC patients with the IGF-2 +3580 AA genotype. We also observed that increased alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), Child–Pugh grade, tumor size, and number of malignant lesions were accompanied by a significant increase of serum IGF-2 mean values of in HCC patients.ConclusionIGF-2, IGF-2R, and IRS-2 genes polymorphisms and their combinations are associated with risk of HCC.