Abstract

Epidemiological data have demonstrated that the prevalence of either obesity or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing worldwide during past decades, and obesity has been unequivocally shown to be a risk factor for HCC. It has been reported that a significant proportion of HCC in obesity develops in cryptogenic cirrhosis, which is largely associated with the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, especially nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Since the HCC is a highly malignant tumor with a poor prognosis, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms may help researchers to explore new approaches for preventing and treating the obesity-related HCC, and thereby facilitating a substantial reduction of morbidity and mortality. In this article, we reviewed the mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and HCC, with an emphasis on the roles of insulin/insulin-like growth factor axis, adipose tissue derived hormones, oxidative stress, and liver stem cells. In addition, we will discuss the impact of life-style modification on obesity-related HCC.

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Publisher Full Text

Authors

Shen C, Zhao CY, Zhang R, Qiao L

Institution

Department of Infectious Disease, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.

Source

Frontiers in bioscience : a journal and virtual library 17: 2012 pg 2356-70

MeSH

Adipokines
Adiponectin
Animals
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
Growth Substances
Humans
Insulin
Insulin Resistance
Leptin
Life Style
Liver Neoplasms
Models, Biological
Obesity
Oxidative Stress
Risk Factors
Signal Transduction
Somatomedins
Stem Cells

Pub Type(s)

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

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22652784