Plasma secretory protein genes in hepatocellular carcinoma and heart failure: Comorbidity and biological function exploration.

BACKGROUND

This research aimed to elucidate the roles of plasma secretory protein genes in mediating the comorbid effects between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and heart failure (HF).

METHODS

A comprehensive analysis utilizing Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), differential expression analysis, and advanced deep learning techniques was conducted to identify three plasma-secreted protein genes (Ficolin-3: FCN3, Fibroblast Activation Protein: FAP, High Mobility Group Box 2: HMGB2) as key players in the comorbid interplay between HCC and HF.

RESULTS

Validation experiments confirmed the significant biological functions of these genes in disease pathogenesis. Additionally, dexamethasone and catechins were identified as promising candidates for pharmacological intervention in the prevention of HCC and HF.

CONCLUSION

These findings unveil potential mechanistic pathways of comorbidity between HCC and HF, providing novel biological markers and therapeutic targets for the prognostic evaluation and treatment of these conditions, with substantial implications for refining clinical diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.