Case report: Insulin-like growth factor II expression in hepatocellular carcinoma with alcoholic liver fibrosis accompanied by hypoglycaemia

J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 1998 Jan;13(1):47-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.1998.tb00544.x.

Abstract

This case of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with alcoholic liver fibrosis, which was not associated with hepatitis viruses, was accompanied by hypoglycaemia. The immunoreactive insulin level was low and other hormonal examinations were almost normal. Immunohistochemical studies showed a high level of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF2) peptide in the HCC section and the size heterogeneity of serum IGF2 investigated by western blot revealed a large form at approximately 15 kDa. These results suggest that the HCC with alcoholic liver fibrosis produced IGF2 and that the hypoglycaemia was caused by tumour-associated IGF2.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / complications*
  • Hypoglycemia / metabolism
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor II / biosynthesis*
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / complications*
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / metabolism
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / complications*
  • Liver Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor II