Cyanotoxin exposure and hepatocellular carcinoma
Brenda Y Hernandez1, Xuemei Zhu1, Michelle Nagata1
1University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI, United States.
Toxicology
|March 2, 2023
Summary
Cyanotoxins, produced by cyanobacteria, were found in all hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. These toxins correlated with metabolic risk factors and altered lipid metabolism gene expression in tumors.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Hepatology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Cyanobacteria are widespread microorganisms, with some species producing potent hepatotoxins.
- Human exposure to cyanotoxins occurs via contaminated water and food, posing potential health risks.
- Previous research linked oral cyanobacteria to increased hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and levels of specific cyanotoxins in HCC patients.
- To explore the association between cyanotoxin levels, etiological factors, and tumor gene expression in HCC.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 55 HCC patients in Hawaii.
- Serum analysis using ELISA for microcystin/nodularin (MC/NOD), cylindrospermopsin (CYN), and anabaenopeptin (AB).
- Gene expression analysis (Nanostring nCounter Fibrosis panel) in a subset of 16 patients.
Main Results:
- MC/NOD, CYN, and AB were detected in all HCC patients studied.
- Highest cyanotoxin levels were observed in patients with metabolic risk factors (hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, NAFLD/NASH).
- Cyanotoxin levels positively correlated with tumor expression of genes involved in PPAR signaling and lipid metabolism.
Conclusions:
- Cyanotoxins may play a role in HCC pathogenesis.
- Potential mechanisms involve dysregulation of lipid metabolism and exacerbation of hepatic steatosis.
- Further research is needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the precise role of cyanotoxins in liver cancer.
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