Abstract: By means of a proteomic approach, the markers of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the liver of a knockout mouse (MAT1A?/?) have been identified for the MAT1A gene (deficient in the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine). 27 proteins have been detected the expression thereof is altered in, at least, 50% of the analysed tumours. Amongst them, 13 proteins have been validated in biopsies of patients with HCC of different etiology, and 7 of them have been validated in biopsies of patients with liver cirrhosis, a stage prior to the development of HCC, which makes it possible to differentiate between prior stages of the disease and even between different etiologies (viral and alcoholic). Having a panel of markers available may contribute to more accurately defining the alterations associated with the development of HCC and thus facilitate prognosis and diagnosis of this disease.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for early diagnosis of hepatic diseases, which consists in determining in the samples of the diseased subjects, the presence of a apolipoprotein AI (Apo-AI) isoform, having oxidised W50, W108, and M112 residues. The inventive method is useful for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis B.