CD58: A Promising Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global health challenge due to the lack of reliable early diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. While CD58 is implicated in immune modulation and cancer progression, its role in HCC has not been fully explored.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analysis was performed to assess CD58 expression and its clinical significance. Immunohistochemistry was conducted on tissue microarrays to validate CD58 expression, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure soluble CD58 levels in HCC serum. A nomogram was constructed to predict overall survival, and decision curve analysis along with area under the ROC curve were applied to evaluate its diagnostic value. Additionally, serum trace elemental levels were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy to explore their relationship with sCD58.

RESULTS

CD58 was overexpressed in human HCC tissues and its expression was associated with age and hepatitis status. For HCC patients, CD58 was identified as an independent prognostic factor. Furthermore, CD58 was positively correlated with T cell infiltration in HCC tissues. The levels of sCD58 were elevated in HCC serum and showed significant diagnostic potential. Notably, sCD58 correlated with copper levels, providing new insights into its role in HCC progression.

CONCLUSION

CD58 is a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC, and targeting CD58 may offer novel therapeutic strategies. The correlation between sCD58 and copper levels suggests that copper could play a key role in HCC pathogenesis.