Recent insights on risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a disease prevalent in many populations worldwide. It initiates many economic and health problems in management modalities and leads to increasing mortality rates. Worldwide, trials have attempted to discover specific early markers for detection and prediction of the disease, hoping to set a more precise strategy for liver cancer prevention. Unfortunately, many economic, cultural and disciplinary levels contribute to confounding preventive strategies. Many risk factors contribute to predisposition to HCC, which can present individually or simultaneously. Previous articles discussed many risk factors for hepatocellular carcinogenesis; however, most of them didn't consider collectively the most recent data relating to causes. In this article, the pathogenesis and risk factors of HCC are discussed. Most of the intermediary steps of HCC involve molecular and transcriptional events leading to hepatocyte malignant transformation. These steps are mainly triggered by hepatitis B, C or transfusion-transmitted virus, either alone, or with other factors. Diabetes seems to be a major contributing risk factor. Schistosomiasis, a blood infestation, mostly affects Nile basin inhabitants leading to bladder, renal and hepatic cancers. Alcoholism, food and water pollutants and some drugs can also lead to HCC. Additionally, some hereditary diseases, as hemochromatosis, α-1-antitrypsin deficiency and tyrosinaemia are known to lead to the development of HCC, if not well managed.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective and Anticancer Properties of Aqueous Olive Leaf Extract in Chemically Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats

“…Such elevated level may be due to the induced premalignant changes confirmed by the histopathological results as GAGs are usually elevated in most types of cancer including human laryngeal carcinoma [61]. The elevated TGAGs level may be referred to an increased breakdown of liver tissue content, followed by escape into circulation [24]. After treatment with AOLE a significant reduction in serum TGAGs level was observed which was more significant by the combination of 5-FU and AOLE.…”

“…The role of GAGs on tumor growth has been reported for few years before. GAGs, through their binding and regulation of a large number of ligands and receptors, are important mediators of normal and tumor cell behaviors, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, and adhesion [24,25,26]. Fluoropyrimidines, particularly5-fluorouracil 5-FU, have been widely used in the treatment of HCC.…”

A Spotlight on Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Nigella glandulifera Freyn et Sint Seeds

“…Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common cancer in many countries [39]. It is also the third leading cause of cancer death because of its very poor prognosis [40]. Although numerous researches are focused on cancer treatment and many drugs are available as anticancer treatments, there is still a serious problem of chemotherapy, that is, multidrug resistance, which may cause the failure of cancer treatment by chemotherapy, in addition to the huge number of anticancer drugs side effects due to the lack of selectivity of anticancer drugs active compounds [2].…”

Serum anti-P53 antibodies and alpha-fetoprotein in patients with non-B non-C hepatocellular carcinoma

“…Due to the alarming increase in the incidence of HCC, there is a need for recent insights on contribution of emerging risk factors of hepatocellular carcinogenesis (Abdel-Hamid 2009), and provide more effective measures for early diagnosis, monitor progress and intervention.…”