Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common and aggressive type of liver cancer that often develops in patients with chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein that is often used as a biomarker for HCC, as elevated levels of AFP have been associated with the development and progression of HCC. This research project aimed to analyze the alpha-fetoprotein levels in hepatitis patients to assess the degree to which it correlates with the generation of HCC. The study included a cohort of hepatitis patients who were monitored for AFP levels over a period of time. The patients underwent regular screenings and imaging studies to detect any signs of HCC development. The results of the study showed a significant correlation between elevated AFP levels and the development of HCC in hepatitis patients. Patients with higher AFP levels were more likely to develop HCC compared to those with normal AFP levels. Furthermore, the study found that monitoring AFP levels in hepatitis patients can aid in the early detection of HCC, allowing for timely intervention and improved prognosis. Overall, this research highlights the importance of monitoring alpha-fetoprotein levels in hepatitis patients as an aid in assessing the risk of developing HCC. Early detection of HCC is crucial for improving patient outcomes, and AFP levels can serve as a valuable biomarker for identifying high-risk patients who may benefit from closer surveillance and early intervention strategies. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying the relationship between AFP levels and HCC development, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of AFP monitoring in larger patient populations.

Thesis Overview

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. It accounts for 60% of all cancer world wide (Melissa 2004). The most significance cause is the presence of cirrhosis. HCC has unique geographic sex, age distribution that are likely determined by specific actiology factor. It’s distribution also varies among ethnic group within the same country (Munoz 1989). A high incidence of hepatitis B and C may have been an important factor contributing to the development of liver disease (HCC and Cirrhosis) in south eastern Nigeria. However, a recent trend which reveals an increase in cases of liver cirrhosis and hepatitis in our environment suggest that there could be other contributory factors perculiar to our environment besides hepatitis B and C which could be possible explanation to the recent trend. In so doing, it would be necessary to look into the various predisposing/causative factors of chronic hepatitis which could lead to increased cases of liver cirrhosis and HCC in our environment. The risk of developing HCC differs depending on the cause of cirrhosis. For example, cirrhosis due to hepatitis B has a high risk of leading to HCC while the risk of HCC in people with primary biliary cirrhosis, although present is very low. All these human hepatitis viruses are RNA viruses except for hepatitis B virus, which is a DNA virus. Although these viruses can be distinguished by their molecular and antigenic properties, all types of viral hepatitis produce clinically similar illnesses. These range from asymptomatic and unapparent to fulminant and fatal acute infections common to all types, on one hand, and from subclinical persistent infections to rapidly progressive liver disease with cirrhosis and even hepatocullular carcinoma (HCC), common to the blood-borne types (HBV and HCV). Without specific virological test, it is not possible to determine which hepatitis virus is responsible for a case of hepatitis. (Kathleen park et al., 2004).