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Gender disparity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): multiple underlying mechanisms

Bo Zheng1,2, Yan-Jing Zhu1,2, Hong-Yang Wang3,4,5

  • 1International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China.

Science China. Life Sciences
|May 27, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Sex hormones significantly influence hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced liver cancer (HCC). Estrogen and androgens impact HBV replication and inflammation, affecting HCC development and progression differently in males and females.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a primary cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly in endemic Asian regions.
  • Males exhibit a three times higher incidence of inflammation-driven HCC compared to females.
  • Sex hormones are increasingly recognized for their critical role in HBV-induced HCC pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying sex differences in HBV-associated HCC.
  • To review the impact of sex hormones on HBV gene transcription, replication, and inflammatory responses.
  • To explore potential therapeutic strategies for inflammation-driven HCC.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological data on HBV-induced HCC incidence and sex differences.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways involving estrogen and androgen signaling in HBV infection.
  • Investigation of sex hormone-mediated epigenetic modifications in HCC development.

Main Results:

  • Estrogen/androgen signaling pathways differentially regulate HBV gene transcription and replication.
  • Sex hormones modulate HBV RNA transcription and inflammatory cytokine levels, influencing HCC progression.
  • Sex hormones contribute to HBV-related HCC through epigenetic alterations.

Conclusions:

  • Sex hormones play a pivotal role in the sex-specific development and progression of HBV-induced HCC.
  • Understanding these molecular mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interplay between sex hormones, HBV, and HCC.

Keywords:
gender disparityhepatocarcinomaheptitis B virus

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