Liver Enzyme Mutations in Relations to Cancer
Start Date
2023 3:20 PM
Location
Alter Hall 303
Abstract
It is known that deregulation of enzymatic functions is a direct consequence of recurring cancer mutations, and many cancers tend to metastasize to the liver. While many enzyme levels are monitored for the development or progression of cancer, only acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), alpha feto-protein (AFP), and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) were analyzed to identify reliable biomarkers for the presence of cancer. ALDH2 is responsible for the metabolism of ethanol and under expression of the gene has been associated with the development of gastric cancer. Despite the data not supporting the evidence that the mutation was responsible for known stomach cancers in other studies, mutation of the gene has shown statistical significance between the younger ages and onset of stomach cancer (p<0.03). Tissue types commonly seen in cancers with the mutation are skin, large intestine, and prostate, but cancers in the central nervous system saw development 8 years earlier than the average age of onset. AFP is commonly seen during times of rapid cell division and has been used as a confirmation of cancer development. When mutated, the gene enhances anti-apoptotic qualities in immune cells and is responsible for inhibited maturation in immune cells, leading to premature immune cell death. Despite having statistical significance for earlier age of onset for glioma (p<0.0009), the n value of 12 is too low to consider the analysis reliable. Additionally, the mutations in the gene compose a concerning number of noncoding mutations, leading to the possibility that AFP mutations may be related to other mechanisms in cancer development not currently known. GPT is critical in gluconeogenesis and amino acid metabolism, where mutations may be indicative of cancer. Statistical analysis using T-tests shows significance in gene mutations and development of adenoma and glioma. When looking at tissue types, the central nervous system (p<0.01), large intestine (p<0.05), liver (p<0.05), ovary (p<0.01), thyroid (p<0.01), and upper aerodigestive tract (p<0.05) were statistically significant indicating potential risk increases in cancer occurring in the tissues. Further development of diagnostic measures may allow ALDH2 and GPT to become reliable biomarkers indicative of cancer development. Additionally, more studies may be done to understand the mechanistic role of AFP in other cancers and immune system suppression.
Liver Enzyme Mutations in Relations to Cancer
Alter Hall 303
It is known that deregulation of enzymatic functions is a direct consequence of recurring cancer mutations, and many cancers tend to metastasize to the liver. While many enzyme levels are monitored for the development or progression of cancer, only acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), alpha feto-protein (AFP), and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) were analyzed to identify reliable biomarkers for the presence of cancer. ALDH2 is responsible for the metabolism of ethanol and under expression of the gene has been associated with the development of gastric cancer. Despite the data not supporting the evidence that the mutation was responsible for known stomach cancers in other studies, mutation of the gene has shown statistical significance between the younger ages and onset of stomach cancer (p<0.03). Tissue types commonly seen in cancers with the mutation are skin, large intestine, and prostate, but cancers in the central nervous system saw development 8 years earlier than the average age of onset. AFP is commonly seen during times of rapid cell division and has been used as a confirmation of cancer development. When mutated, the gene enhances anti-apoptotic qualities in immune cells and is responsible for inhibited maturation in immune cells, leading to premature immune cell death. Despite having statistical significance for earlier age of onset for glioma (p<0.0009), the n value of 12 is too low to consider the analysis reliable. Additionally, the mutations in the gene compose a concerning number of noncoding mutations, leading to the possibility that AFP mutations may be related to other mechanisms in cancer development not currently known. GPT is critical in gluconeogenesis and amino acid metabolism, where mutations may be indicative of cancer. Statistical analysis using T-tests shows significance in gene mutations and development of adenoma and glioma. When looking at tissue types, the central nervous system (p<0.01), large intestine (p<0.05), liver (p<0.05), ovary (p<0.01), thyroid (p<0.01), and upper aerodigestive tract (p<0.05) were statistically significant indicating potential risk increases in cancer occurring in the tissues. Further development of diagnostic measures may allow ALDH2 and GPT to become reliable biomarkers indicative of cancer development. Additionally, more studies may be done to understand the mechanistic role of AFP in other cancers and immune system suppression.
