Etiology-Dependent Microbiome Differences in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 25, pp. 13510

Abstract

Chronic liver disease is characterised by persistent inflammation, tissue damage, and regeneration, which leads to steatosis, fibrosis, and, lastly, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC, the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The gut microbiota plays a fundamental role in human physiology, and disturbances in its critical balance are widely recognised as contributors to various pathological conditions, including chronic liver diseases, both infectious and non-infectious in nature. Growing interest in microbiota research has recently shifted the focus towards the study of intratumoural microbiota, referred to as the "oncobiome", which can significantly impact the development and progression of HCC. In this review, we discuss existing research and provide an overview of the microbiota influence on viral hepatitis, particularly in shaping the progression of liver disease caused by the hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses. We also explore microbial dysbiosis and its contribution to the silent and dangerous progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Additionally, we address the impact of alcohol on the liver and its interaction with the microbiota, tracing the pathway from inflammation to cirrhosis and cancer. The review emphasises the most common etiologies of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Authors 5

1. Nevena Todorović

   Univerzitetski Klinički Centar Srbije · University of Florence

   Affiliation as printed

   Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

   Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy

2. Serena Martinelli

   University of Florence

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy

3. Giulia Nannini

   University of Florence

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy

4. Ralf Weiskirchen corresponding Aachen Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC)

   Universitätsklinikum Aachen · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany

5. Amedeo Amedei corresponding

   Universal Scientific Education and Research Network · University of Florence

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy

   Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 50139 Florence, Italy