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An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
Spontaneous hepatocellular carcinoma in captive prosimians
L M Zadrozny1, C V Williams, A K Remick
1North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
Veterinary Pathology
|February 12, 2010
Summary
Hepatocellular carcinoma is common in lemurs, but its cause remains unknown. This study found no link to iron, hepadnavirus, Hepatitis C virus, or aflatoxin B1, suggesting other factors are involved in this liver cancer.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Primate Oncology
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Spontaneous hepatocellular carcinoma is a recognized neoplasm in prosimians.
- The etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma in this population is currently unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential pathogenic mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma in captive prosimians.
- To evaluate the role of hepatic trace metals and viral infections in liver tumor formation.
Main Methods:
- Histologic evaluation of liver lesions in 145 captive lemurs over 10 years.
- Analysis of hepatic iron, copper, and molybdenum levels in affected and control animals.
- Serum analysis for hepadnavirus, Hepatitis C virus, and assessment for aflatoxin B1 exposure.
Main Results:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosed in 9.7% of lemurs (14/145), with aggressive growth and metastasis in 50% of cases.
- No significant differences in hepatic iron, copper, or molybdenum between tumor-bearing and control animals.
- No evidence of active hepadnavirus infection; Hepatitis C virus and aflatoxin B1 were ruled out based on histopathology.
Conclusions:
- Hepatocellular neoplasia is relatively common in captive prosimians.
- Previously suspected etiologies such as iron overload, hepadnavirus, Hepatitis C virus, and aflatoxin B1 do not appear to be key factors in lemur liver cancer pathogenesis.
- Further research is needed to identify the underlying causes of hepatocellular carcinoma in this species.
