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Introduction: Hypoxia is a major feature of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The master hypoxamir, MIRNA-210, controls many carcinogenic pathways. Hypoxia can affect mitochondrial DNA copy number (MTCN), which could impair many mitochondrial functions, including electron transport chain (ETC). Vitamin K2 (VK2) is crucial for preserving ETC integrity. Aim of the study: To evaluate the role of MTCN, MIRNA-210 and VK2 in HCC prediction, prevention and personalized treatment. Methodology: 60 cirrhotic patients with HCC (group I) classified into three sub-groups according to BCLC staging (20 patients each); Group (IA): Stages 0/A, (IB): stage B and (IC): stages C/D. Group II comprised 60 cirrhotic patients without HCC. Group III included 60 healthy controls. All participants were evaluated clinically, circulating MIRNA-210 expression and MTCN were assessed by real time polymerase chain reaction and VK2 levels were measured by ELISA. Results MIRNA-210 was higher in group I compared to other groups (P |
