Serum vitamin B12 and folate levels, vitamin B12 and folic acid binding proteins in patients with primary carcinoma of the liver.

Serum vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin B12 and folic acid binding protein concentration were determined in 31 patients with primary carcinoma of the liver. Serum vitamin B12 level was found to be higher in 16 of 31 (52%) patients with carcinoma of the liver and the mean value was also significantly higher than that of the control group. There was no significant difference between the mean values of serum UBBC of these 2 groups. TCI and TCIII increased while TCII decreased considerably in the patient group. Serum folate level in patients with primary carcinoma of the liver was significantly lower than that of the control group. About 39% of these patients had serum folate level lower than the lowest value of the control group. Serum FABP in the former group was also significantly higher than that of the latter group.