Abstract: Objective To investigate the serum levels of Tim-3 and its correlation with tumor stages and AFP
in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods ELISA was used to detect the serum levels of Tim-3 in
46 cases with hepatocellular carcinoma from February 2014 to October 2014 in Zibo Central Hospital and
the relationship between Tim-3 and the tumor stages or AFP levels was analyzed. Results The serum levels
of Tim-3 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were significantly higher than normal, the relationship
between Tim-3 and AFP was positively correlated, and the levels of Tim-3 were more higher in stages Ⅲ
and Ⅳ than those of stagesⅠandⅡ. Moreover, the AKP and GGT levels were weakly positive correlated
with Tim-3, whereas there was no correlations between Tim-3 and AST or ALT. Conclusions Tim-3 may be
involved in the process in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. It may be as an early diagnosis marker and
a targeted point in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.