Hepatitis Virus and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Recent Advances

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global health challenge, causing 600,000 deaths each year. Infectious factors, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV), have long been considered the major risk factors for the development and progression of HCC. These pathogens induce hepatocyte transformation through a variety of mechanisms, including insertional mutations caused by viral gene integration, epigenetic changes, and the induction of long-term immune dysfunction. The discovery of these mechanisms, while advancing our understanding of the disease, also provides targets for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In addition, the discovery and research of chronic HEV infection over the past decade indicate that this common hepatitis virus also seems to have the potential to induce HCC. In this review, we provide an overview of recent studies on the link between hepatitis virus and HCC, as well as new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to HCC based on these findings. Finally, we also discuss the potential relationship between HEV and HCC. In conclusion, these associations will further optimize the diagnosis and treatment of infection-associated HCC and call for better management policies.

Red Blood Cell-Derived Exosomal Oncogenic MicroRNA Promote Cancer Development and Progression

“…Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). ddPCR was employed for quantifying miRNA copy numbers following RNA isolation, as previously detailed (13) . RNA underwent reverse transcription employing the TaqMan miRNA RT Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific., Waltham, MA).…”

“…However, due to the absence of a nucleus and associated machinery in RBCs, their derived miRNAs were previously considered to have minimal biological impact ( 12 ). Interestingly, we recently discovered a distinctive miRNA profile in RBCs, featuring miR-93-5p, which is closely associated with lung cancer ( 13 ). Notably, miR-93-5p is recognized as an oncomiRNA that crucially impacts cancer progression ( 14, 15 ).…”

Hijacking and rewiring of host CircRNA/miRNA/mRNA competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks by oncoviruses during development of viral cancers

“…The second group comprises indirect tumour viruses such as HBV and HCV, which trigger tumourigenesis through chronic inflammation, or HIV-1, which does so by suppressing the immune system. 4 Oncoviruses require prolonged interactions with the host, along with the accumulation of multiple cooperative processes utilising the cellular and molecular machinery of the host to induce cancer development. 5 Oncoviruses play varying roles in the multi-step process of human tumourigenesis.…”

“…The first group includes direct tumour viruses like HPV, KSHV, HTLV1, EBV, and MCV, which induce tumours by producing viral oncoproteins or activating host oncoproteins. The second group comprises indirect tumour viruses such as HBV and HCV, which trigger tumourigenesis through chronic inflammation, or HIV‐1, which does so by suppressing the immune system 4 . Oncoviruses require prolonged interactions with the host, along with the accumulation of multiple cooperative processes utilising the cellular and molecular machinery of the host to induce cancer development 5 .…”

Diagnostic and Prognostic Nomograms for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on PIVKA-II and Serum Biomarkers

“…The dominant histologic type of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma, accounting for nearly 75–90% of cases [ 2 ]. The majority of cases of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are attributed to persistent infections with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) [ 3 ]. Moreover, the high number of chronic HBV carriers are responsible for the high prevalence of HCC in China [ 4 ].…”