Multiplex FISH Analysis of Chromosomal Instability in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma and its Precursor Fatty Liver Disease Lesions

Science Center, Bent Corridor

Liver cancers account for the 5th highest cancer death rate in the United States. Among these hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent, with risk factors including aflatoxin exposure, alcohol abuse and chronic hepatitis. Emerging risk factors also include nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which in turn can be caused by obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Although HHC’s risk factors are widely understood, little research has been conducted into the heterogeneity of HCC with clinical background of NAFLD or NASH. In order to analyze heterogeneity and clonality of HHC, we have developed a multiplex multi-color Fluorescent in situ Hybridization (FISH) probe panel that allows the enumeration of 10 distinct gene loci. We hope that this method will lead to further understanding of the evolution of NASH and NAFLD to HCC and contribute to the early diagnosis of HCC.