Current impact of viral hepatitis on liver cancer development: The challenge remains

Abstract

Chronic infections due to hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses are responsible for most cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide, and this association is likely to remain during the next decade. Moreover, viral hepatitis-related HCC imposes an important burden on public health in terms of disability-adjusted life years. In order to reduce such a burden, some major challenges must be faced. Universal vaccination against hepatitis B virus, especially in the neonatal period, is probably the most relevant primary preventive measure against the development of HCC. Moreover, considering the large adult population already infected with hepatitis B and C viruses, it is also imperative to identify these individuals to ensure their access to treatment. Both hepatitis B and C currently have highly effective therapies, which are able to diminish the risk of development of liver cancer. Finally, it is essential for individuals at high-risk of HCC to be included in surveillance programs, so that tumors are detected at an early stage. Patients with hepatitis B or C and advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis benefit from being followed in a surveillance program. As hepatitis B virus is oncogenic and capable of leading to liver cancer even in individuals with early stages of liver fibrosis, other high-risk groups of patients with hepatitis B are also candidates for surveillance. Considerable effort is required concerning these strategies in order to decrease the incidence and the mortality of viral hepatitis-related HCC.

Chemokines in Primary Liver Cancer

“…HCV genotype 3 is also associated with a higher risk of HCC than other genotypes [ 53 ]. The mechanism by which HCV genotype 3 can be involved in hepatocarcinogenesis is not fully understood, but it may be related to the downregulation of the phosphatase and tensin (PTEN) homolog gene, which acts as a tumor suppressor [ 54 , 55 ]. Currently, the identification of infected patients is a major challenge to reduce HCV morbidity and mortality.…”

The pathogenesis of liver cancer and the therapeutic potential of bioactive substances

“…Chronic infection with hepatitis viruses is a major risk factor for liver injury and HCC. In chronic viral hepatitis, the development of fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC is associated with the immune response against the infected liver ( Zambam de Mattos et al, 2021 ). Disturbances in the function of virus-specific T cells are a major factor underlying the incapacity of the immune response to clear infected cells on the one hand, and on the other hand, it influences the development of the disease ( Healy et al, 2020 ).…”

DNA methylation alterations of ADCY5, MICAL2, and PLEKHG2 during the developmental stage of cryptogenic hepatocellular carcinoma

“…We performed genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of 250 liver tissue specimens, including normal liver tissue, noncancerous and cancerous tissue from patients with cryptogenic HCCs, NASHrelated HCCs, 10,11 viral hepatitis-related HCCs, 23 and alcoholic liver disease-related HCCs. 24…”