Abstract | AIM: METHODS: The authors determined DCP and AFP serum levels and vitamin K concentration in 64 cirrhotics with HCC and in 60 cirrhotic subjects without HCC. In HCC subjects DCP and AFP levels were measured before and after vitamin K administration. A t-test for unpaired data was applied (P values <0.05 statistically significant). RESULTS: Only HCC patients had detectable levels of DCP and significant AFP levels. Administration of vitamin K reduced DCP but not AFP levels in HCC patients. No correlation was observed between vitamin K concentration and DCP levels: vitamin K concentration was similar both in HCC patients and in control group without HCC; HCC patients had the same vitamin K concentration regardless of elevated o reduced DCP levels after vitamin K administration. CONCLUSION: DCP detectable serum levels are the result not only of vitamin K deficiency or selective defects of carboxylase, because probably alterations of membrane receptors or cytoplasmatic transfers, that are necessary for the function of vitamin K, are involved.
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Authors | G Bertino, A M Ardiri, P M Boemi, D Ierna, D Interlandi, L Caruso, E Minona, M A Trovato, S Vicari, G Li Destri, S Puleo |
Journal | Panminerva medica
(Panminerva Med)
Vol. 50
Issue 3
Pg. 221-6
(Sep 2008)
ISSN: 0031-0808 [Print] Italy |
PMID | 18927526
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- AFP protein, human
- Biomarkers
- Protein Precursors
- alpha-Fetoproteins
- Vitamin K
- acarboxyprothrombin
- Vitamin K 1
- Prothrombin
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Topics |
- Aged
- Biomarkers
(blood)
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
(blood)
- Case-Control Studies
- Female
- Humans
- Injections, Intravenous
- Liver Neoplasms
(blood)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Protein Precursors
(blood)
- Prothrombin
- Up-Regulation
- Vitamin K
(blood)
- Vitamin K 1
(administration & dosage)
- Vitamin K Deficiency
(blood)
- alpha-Fetoproteins
(metabolism)
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