Etiology-Dependent Microbiome Differences in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development

Area of Science:

• Microbiology and Hepatology
• Gut-liver axis research
• Oncovirome in cancer development

Background:

• Chronic liver disease involves inflammation, damage, and regeneration, progressing to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in health, and its dysbiosis is linked to various pathologies, including chronic liver diseases.
• Intratumoural microbiota, or the 'oncobiome,' is increasingly recognized for its impact on HCC development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the influence of gut microbiota on viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B and C) progression.
• To explore microbial dysbiosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its silent progression.
• To examine alcohol's impact on the liver and its interaction with microbiota, linking inflammation to cirrhosis and cancer.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on microbiota and liver disease.
• Analysis of studies focusing on viral hepatitis, NAFLD, and alcohol-related liver disease.
• Exploration of the oncobiome's role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathogenesis.

Main Results:

• Gut microbiota significantly shapes the progression of liver disease in viral hepatitis.
• Microbial dysbiosis is a key factor in the silent and dangerous progression of NAFLD.
• Alcohol-induced liver injury involves complex interactions with the gut microbiota, contributing to cirrhosis and HCC.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiota is a critical determinant in the pathogenesis of various chronic liver diseases.
• Understanding the oncobiome offers new insights into hepatocellular carcinoma development.
• Targeting microbial dysbiosis presents potential therapeutic strategies for liver disease and HCC prevention.