Non-viral causes of liver cancer: does obesity led inflammation play a role?

Cancer Lett. 2014 Apr 10;345(2):223-9. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.08.036. Epub 2013 Sep 2.

Abstract

Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the third most common cause of cancer mortality. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for around 90% of primary liver cancers. Chronic infection with hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses are two of most common causes of liver cancer. However, there are non-viral factors that are associated with liver cancer development. Numerous population studies have revealed strong links between obesity and the development of liver cancer. Obesity can alter hepatic pathology, metabolism and promote inflammation, leading to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the progression to the more severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is characterised by prominent steatosis and inflammation, and can lead to HCC. Here, we discuss the role of obesity in inflammation and the principal signalling mechanisms involved in HCC formation.

Keywords: Inflammation; Liver cancer; Obesity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / immunology
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism
  • Fatty Liver / etiology*
  • Fatty Liver / immunology
  • Fatty Liver / metabolism
  • Fatty Liver / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / etiology*
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / prevention & control
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / immunology
  • Liver Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
  • Obesity / complications*
  • Obesity / immunology
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Obesity / therapy
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Inflammation Mediators