Does hepatitis B virus infection cause breast cancer?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Virology
• Hepatology

Background:

• Traditional risk factors like lifestyle and family history do not fully explain breast cancer (BC) disparities in Chinese women.
• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is prevalent in China, suggesting a potential role in BC etiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a hypothesis on the indirect oncogenesis of HBV in breast cancer (BC) development.
• To explore the interplay between HBV, estrogen metabolism, and dietary factors in BC risk among Chinese females.

Main Methods:

• Hypothesis-driven review of existing literature on HBV, liver function, estrogen metabolism, and breast cancer.
• Analysis of epidemiological data regarding BC incidence, age of onset, and dietary patterns in China versus Western countries.

Main Results:

• Persistent occult HBV infection may lead to chronic liver damage, impairing estrogen deactivation and increasing circulating estrogen levels, a known BC risk factor.
• The HBx protein of HBV may directly promote breast cell oncogenesis.
• High intake of dietary soy and vegetables, rich in isoflavonoids and flavonoids, may exert a protective effect against BC.

Conclusions:

• The hypothesis suggests HBV as a potential contributing factor to BC in Chinese women, mediated by liver damage and hormonal changes.
• Dietary protective factors may modulate BC risk in the context of HBV exposure.
• Further research characterizing HBV's role in BC is crucial for developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies for Chinese females.