Whole genome profiling of liver biopsies discloses potential biomarkers for diagnosis of idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension

Background. Idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) is a frequently misdiagnosed cause of portal hypertension. It also lacks a specific test for its diagnosis. This study evaluates whether using new immunohistochemistry makers derived from whole genome analysis improves the diagnosis of INCPH. Methods. We analyzed formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) liver tissue from 18 INCPH and 22 patients with cirrhosis (LC) as well as from 14 histologically normal livers (HNL) as controls. Microarray experiments were performed using Illumina Whole-Genome DASL HT BeadChip arrays. Selected genes showing differential expression at Illumina were confirmed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) gene expression performed with Fluidigm Biomark HD system in a subgroup of samples. Immunohistochemistry was used to confirm the qRT-PCR results. Results. At Illumina, a total of 292 genes were differentially expressed (FC>+2/-2 and p-value <0.05) in INCPH compared to the control group (LC and HNL) (202 up-regulated and 90 down-regulated).