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Hepatology International
Published in: Hepatology International 2/2014

01-09-2014 | Supplement Issue: ALPD

Mechanisms of alcohol-induced hepatocellular carcinoma

Authors: Sreetha Sidharthan, Shyam Kottilil

Published in: Hepatology International | Special Issue 2/2014

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Abstract

Chronic alcohol abuse is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Alcohol can also function synergistically with other risk factors to cause HCC. Hence, alcohol consumption is a major factor affecting hepatic carcinogenesis in millions and the cause of a substantial public health burden. Chronic alcohol consumption interferes with several host anti-tumor mechanisms, thereby facilitating hepatocyte proliferation and tumorigenesis. This review summarizes the major mechanisms of alcohol-induced HCC. These include pathways of ethanol metabolism, alcohol-induced oxidative stress and hypomethylation of DNA, and interplay of alcohol with iron elevation, retinoid metabolism, the immune system, inflammatory pathways, and neoangiogenesis. The relevance of each pathway in affecting HCC transformation is a topic of intense investigation. Ongoing research will enhance our insight into the alcohol-induced occurrence of HCC and offer hope in developing better therapeutics.
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Metadata
Title
Mechanisms of alcohol-induced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors
Sreetha Sidharthan
Shyam Kottilil
Publication date
01-09-2014
Publisher
Springer India
Published in
Hepatology International / Issue Special Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 1936-0533
Electronic ISSN: 1936-0541
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12072-013-9494-4

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