Alcohol and its associated liver carcinogenesis

Incidence risk of hepatobiliary malignant neoplasms in the cohort of workers chronically exposed to ionizing radiation

The increased risk of liver malignancies was found in workers of the first Russian nuclear production facility, Mayak Production Association, who had been chronically exposed to gamma rays externally and to alpha particles internally due to plutonium inhalation. In the present study, we updated the radiogenic risk estimates of the hepatobiliary malignancies using the extended follow-up period (1948-2018) of the Mayak worker cohort and the improved «Mayak worker dosimetry system-2013». The cohort comprised 22,377 workers hired at the Mayak PA between 1948 and 1982. The analysis considered 62 liver malignancies (32 hepatocellular carcinomas, 13 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas, 16 angiosarcomas, and 1 anaplastic cancer) and 33 gallbladder adenocarcinomas. The analysis proved the positive significant association of the liver malignancy risk (the total of histological types, hepatocellular carcinoma) with the liver absorbed alpha dose from internal exposure. The excess relative risk per Gy (95% confidence interval) of alpha dose (the linear model) was 7.56 (3.44; 17.63) for the total of histological types and 3.85 (0.95; 13.30) for hepatocellular carcinoma. Indications of non-linearity were observed in the dose-response for internal exposure to alpha radiation. No impact of external gamma-ray exposure on the liver malignancy incidence was found. In the study cohort, the number of angiosarcomas among various types of liver malignancies was very high (25.8%), and most of these tumors (73.3%) were registered in individuals internally exposed to alpha radiation at doses ranging between 6.0 and 21.0 Gy. No association with chronic occupational radiation exposure was observed for the incidence of gallbladder malignancies.

Understanding the Role of Connexins in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Molecular and Prognostic Implications

Connexins, a family of tetraspan membrane proteins forming intercellular channels localized in gap junctions, play a pivotal role at the different stages of tumor progression presenting both pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects. Considering the potential role of connexins as tumor suppressors through multiple channel-independent mechanisms, their loss of expression may be associated with tumorigenic activity, while it is hypothesized that connexins favor the clonal expansion of tumor cells and promote cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, affecting metastasis and chemoresistance in some cases. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), characterized by unfavorable prognosis and limited responsiveness to current therapeutic strategies, has been linked to gap junction proteins as tumorigenic factors with prognostic value. Notably, several members of connexins have emerged as promising markers for assessing the progression and aggressiveness of HCC, as well as the chemosensitivity and radiosensitivity of hepatocellular tumor cells. Our review sheds light on the multifaceted role of connexins in HCC pathogenesis, offering valuable insights on recent advances in determining their prognostic and therapeutic potential.

Stemness markers in hepatocellular carcinoma of Eastern vs. Western population: Etiology matters?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers with a high mortality rate. HCC development is associated with its underlying etiologies, mostly caused by infection of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), alcohol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and exposure to aflatoxins. These variables, together with human genetic susceptibility, contribute to HCC molecular heterogeneity, including at the cellular level. HCC initiation, tumor recurrence, and drug resistance rates have been attributed to the presence of liver cancer stem cells (CSC). This review summarizes available data regarding whether various HCC etiologies may be associated to the appearance of CSC biomarkers. It also described the genetic variations of tumoral tissues obtained from Western and Eastern populations, in particular to the oncogenic effect of HBV in the human genome.

Liver Cancer 2.0

Liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a major global health concern due to its high prevalence in many countries [...].

Hepatoprotective effects of aspirin on diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats by reducing inflammation levels and PD-L1 expression

Aspirin, as a widely used anti-inflammatory drug, has been shown to exert anti-cancer effects in a variety of cancers. PD-L1 is widely expressed in tumor cells and inhibits anti-tumor immunity. This study aims to clarify whether aspirin exerts its anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) effect by inhibiting PD-L1 expression. The rat model of HCC was established by drinking 0.01% diethylnitrosamine (DEN), and aspirin was given by gavage. The gross and blood biochemical indexes of rats were analyzed. CD4 and CD8 expression in liver tissues were investigated by immunohistochemistry. CCK8 assay was used to detect the inhibitory effect of aspirin on the proliferation of HCC cells. The regulatory effect of aspirin on PD-L1 expression was analyzed by western blot. As a result, the tumor number and liver weight ratio in the DEN + ASA group were lower than those in the DEN group (P = 0.006, P = 0.046). Compared with the DEN group, the expression of CD4 in the DEN + ASA group was significantly increased, while CD8 was decreased (all P < 0.01). Biochemical indexes showed that there were differences in all indexes between the DEN and control group (P < 0.05). The levels of DBIL, ALP, and TT in the DEN + ASA group were lower than those in the DEN group (P = 0.038, P = 0.042, P = 0.031). In the DEN group, there was an obvious fibrous capsule around the tumor, and the portal vein was dilated. The pathological changes were mild in the DEN + ASA group. Compared with the DEN group, the expression of PD-L1 in liver tissue of the DEN + ASA group was decreased (P = 0.0495). Cytological experiments further showed that aspirin could inhibit the proliferation and PD-L1 expression in Hep G2 and Hep 3B cells. In conclusion, aspirin can inhibit the proliferation of HCC cells and reduce tumor burden by reducing inflammation and targeting PD-L1.

Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: Evolving Concepts and Treatments

Alcohol is a prominent cause of liver disease worldwide with higher prevalence in developed nations. The spectrum of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) encompasses a diverse range of clinical entities, from asymptomatic isolated steatosis to decompensated cirrhosis, and in some cases, acute or chronic liver failure. Consequently, it is important for healthcare practitioners to maintain awareness and systematically screen for ALD. The optimal evaluation and management of ALD necessitates a collaborative approach, incorporating a multidisciplinary team and accounting for concurrent medical conditions. A repertoire of therapeutic interventions exists to support patients in achieving alcohol cessation and sustaining remission, with complete abstinence being the ultimate objective. This review explores the existing therapeutic options for ALD acknowledging geographical discrepancies in accessibility. Recent innovations, including the inclusion of alcohol consumption biomarkers into clinical protocols and the expansion of liver transplantation eligibility to encompass severe alcohol-associated hepatitis, are explored.