The histo-pathologic and molecular mechanisms leading to initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)are still ill-defined;however,there is increasing evidence that the gradual accumulation of mutations...The histo-pathologic and molecular mechanisms leading to initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)are still ill-defined;however,there is increasing evidence that the gradual accumulation of mutations,genetic and epigenetic changes which occur in preneoplastic hepatocytes results in the development of dysplastic foci,nodules,and finally,overt HCC.As well as many other neoplasias,liver cancer is considered an"inflammatory cancer",arising from a context of inflammation,and characterized by inflammation-related mechanisms that favor tumor cell survival,proliferation,and invasion.Molecular mechanisms that link inflammation and neoplasia have been widely investigated,and it has been well established that inflammatory cells recruited at these sites with ongoing inflammatory activity release chemokines that enhance the production of reactive oxygen species.The latter,in turn,probably have a major pathogenic role in the continuum starting from hepatitis followed by chronic inflammation,and ultimately leading to cancer.The relationship amongst chronic liver injury,free radical production,and development of HCC is explored in the present review,particularly in the light of the complex network that involves oxidative DNA damage,cytokine synthesis,telomere dysfunction,and microRNA regulation.展开更多
Wilson's disease(WD), which results from the defective ATP7 B protein product, is characterized by impaired copper metabolism and its clinical consequences vary from an asymptomatic state to fulminant hepatic fail...Wilson's disease(WD), which results from the defective ATP7 B protein product, is characterized by impaired copper metabolism and its clinical consequences vary from an asymptomatic state to fulminant hepatic failure, chronic liver disease with or without cirrhosis, neurological, and psychiatric manifestations. A high grade of suspicion is warranted to not miss cases of WD, especially less florid cases with only mild elevation of transaminases, or isolated neuropsychiatric involvement. Screening in first and second relatives of index cases is mandatory, and treatment must commence upon establishment of diagnosis. Treatment strategies include chelators such as D-penicillamine and trientine, while zinc salts act as inductors of methallothioneins, which favor a negative copper balance and a reduction of free plasmatic copper. As an orphan disease, research is lacking in this field, especially regarding therapeutic strategies which are associated with better patient compliance and which could eventually also reverse established injury.展开更多
文摘The histo-pathologic and molecular mechanisms leading to initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)are still ill-defined;however,there is increasing evidence that the gradual accumulation of mutations,genetic and epigenetic changes which occur in preneoplastic hepatocytes results in the development of dysplastic foci,nodules,and finally,overt HCC.As well as many other neoplasias,liver cancer is considered an"inflammatory cancer",arising from a context of inflammation,and characterized by inflammation-related mechanisms that favor tumor cell survival,proliferation,and invasion.Molecular mechanisms that link inflammation and neoplasia have been widely investigated,and it has been well established that inflammatory cells recruited at these sites with ongoing inflammatory activity release chemokines that enhance the production of reactive oxygen species.The latter,in turn,probably have a major pathogenic role in the continuum starting from hepatitis followed by chronic inflammation,and ultimately leading to cancer.The relationship amongst chronic liver injury,free radical production,and development of HCC is explored in the present review,particularly in the light of the complex network that involves oxidative DNA damage,cytokine synthesis,telomere dysfunction,and microRNA regulation.
文摘Wilson's disease(WD), which results from the defective ATP7 B protein product, is characterized by impaired copper metabolism and its clinical consequences vary from an asymptomatic state to fulminant hepatic failure, chronic liver disease with or without cirrhosis, neurological, and psychiatric manifestations. A high grade of suspicion is warranted to not miss cases of WD, especially less florid cases with only mild elevation of transaminases, or isolated neuropsychiatric involvement. Screening in first and second relatives of index cases is mandatory, and treatment must commence upon establishment of diagnosis. Treatment strategies include chelators such as D-penicillamine and trientine, while zinc salts act as inductors of methallothioneins, which favor a negative copper balance and a reduction of free plasmatic copper. As an orphan disease, research is lacking in this field, especially regarding therapeutic strategies which are associated with better patient compliance and which could eventually also reverse established injury.