Serum fatty acid-binding protein 5 is a significant factor in hepatocellular carcinoma progression independent of tissue expression level

Abstract Fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5) is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and related to HCC progression. In this study, we analyzed the potential of serum FABP5 (sFABP5) as a tumor marker its clinical significance We compared sFABP5 concentration patients with (HCC group) that hepatitis without (hepatitis group). Moreover, measured expression levels resected (tFABP5) their relationship sFABP5. also performed cell-based assays using knockout overexpressing cell lines analyze effect extrinsic (exFABP5) on cells. showed was not useful for HCC, were correlated. However, tFABP5 significantly correlated survival after surgery while independent each other. assays, exFABP5 taken up by positively affected under glucose-depleted conditions complementing endogenous function. conclusion, had significant impact progression irrespective augmenting viability conditions. As are important factors other progression, both them should be considered independently improving prognosis HCC.