Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the fifth most common cancer in men and seventh in women, is the end product of chronic liver disease that evolves over several decades [1]. The diverse etiologies of HCC, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, alcoholic diseases and obesity, often lead to cirrhosis, which is present in more than 80 to 90% of HCC patients [1]. Due to diverse etiological factors implicated in the development of HCC and its direct impact on the heterogeneity of the tumor which has limited treatment options, the overall survival is poor.
The origin of cancer is one fundamental question that is still hotly debated. In liver cancer, early observations of highly proliferative preneoplastic nodules or foci altered hepatocytes (FAH) in chemical hepatocarcinogenesis rodent models suggests that HCC arose from mature hepatocytes [2]. Moreover, similar lesions are frequently observed in human HCC samples [3]. Observations of oval cell activation and proliferation in response to injury when hepatocyte proliferation is inhibited in chemical hepatocarcinogensis models have led to the hypothesis that HCC can be derived from deregulated stem cells that become tumorigenic [2]. Current studies implicate that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are neoplastic cells that possess distinct survival mechanism and stem cell properties crucial for the maintenance and propagation of the tumor. The origins of CSCs are debatable; however, CSCs are hypothesized to be derived from tumor progenitor cells, stem cells, or a dedifferentiated cell that have acquired the CSC characteristics. Notably, recent studies in mice revealed that any cell type in the hepatic lineage can undergo oncogenic reprogramming into a CSC [4]. A ...
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...ost cirrhotic tissues contain FAHs, outstanding questions remains: are HcPCs also found in FAHs in cirrhotic tissues of non-HCC patients [1]? It is interesting to note that IL-6 plays two significant roles in the liver, (A) as a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by Kupffer cells during acute phase response and (B) as a tumor promoter in damaged liver. Because IL-6 is elevated throughout the progression of HCC and its dual role; at what point does IL-6 become tumorigenic or metastatic? Notably, this study strengthens the use of IL-6 combined with AFP as biomarkers for early HCC detection. In fact, previous studies indicate that the IL-6 combined with AFP outperforms AFP or IL-6 alone in HCC detection [6]. While many questions remain, this study provided insights into the origin of HCCs and evidence for the long standing assumption that FAH are preneoplastic lesions.
Kanwal, F., Hoang, T., Kramer, J. R., Asch, S. M., Goetz, M. B., Zeringue, A., Richardson, P., & El-Serag, H. B. (2011). Increasing prevalence of HCC and cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Gastroenterology, 140(4), 1182-1188. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2010.12.032.
The pancreas can be divided into two sections when studying the histology. The pancreas has exocrine and endocrine functions, each with unique cell types. The exocrine pancreas serves to secrete digestive enzymes into the duodenum. Some of the specific enzymes and secreted substances are Proteases, lipase, amylase, bicarbonate, and water (Bowen, “Exocrine Secretions”). These enzymes are used to break down protein, fat, and carbohydrates respectively. The bicarbonate simply act as an acid buffer to prevent damage of the small intestine as the stomach acid must be neutralized. The enzymes are created in acinar cells and the bicarbonate is synthesized in epithelial cells surrounding pancreatic ducts (Bowen “Exocrine
The HCV virus measures about 50 nm in diameter; it is classified as a separate genus (Hepacivirus) within the Flaviviridae family. It is the virus that causes Hepatitis C. This family of viruses all has ribonucleic acid (RNA) as their genetic material. “All hepatitis C viruses have an outer coat or envelope and contain enzymes and proteins that allow the virus to reproduce within the cells of the body, in this case, liver cells.” There are at least six strains of the hepatitis C virus, and they all have this structure but have different genotypes. These ...
Li, Y., Wicha, M. S., Schwartz, S. J., & Sun, D. (2011, February 4). Implications of Cancer Stem Cell Theory for Cancer Chemoprevention by Natural Dietary Compounds. Retrieved December 12, 2013, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3248810/
Hepatitis C is a global burden that gives rise to serious liver complications. Thus, it is very crucial to eradicate this disease. Since there is no vaccine, drugs combinations become important elements in treating hepatitis C globally. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is previously dealt with using combinations of drugs such as pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RVB). These drugs are dependent on several factors such as HCV genotype, treatment duration, past treatment, side effects and the patient condition. In 2013, a promising antiviral drug, sofosbuvir, brings hope to the eradication of all genotypes of HCV. This bibliography would evaluate the effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir in treating chronic hepatitis C either in combination with other drugs or alone. In addition to that, this bibliography and the following literature review will highlight the impact of sofosbuvir in the global eradication of hepatitis C. Add citation
Cirrhosis is a deterioration of the liver resulting from heavy scarring, causing the liver to not be able to function properly. If cirrhosis becomes severe, a liver transplant may be the only solution (“Beyond Hangovers: Understanding Alcohol's Impact on Your Health” 14). It is difficult to calculate when a person will develop cirrhosis, because an alcoholic could never develop the disease, but someone who drinks socially could. It is also unknown why cirrhosis is more prevalent in women (Freeman).... ...
Hepatitis A is a usually short acting virus that occurs in humans and monkeys. It is caused by the Hepatovirus and the species is Hepatitis A Virus. There are two major ways in which Hepatitis A can be transmitted. One way is from person to person. This transmission occurs when the fecal matter of an infected person gets ingested by another person. Other ways Hepatitis A can be transmitted from person to person are through direct contact with an infected person, such as sexual contact, and sharing of needles for intravenous drug use. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted through coming in contact with contaminated food or water. Also foods that are uncooked or undercooked and have been contaminated with Hepatitis A can transmit the virus. (Bennett,
The Phase I trial will be discussed here as it pertains to the topic at hand. The typical treatment for cervical cancer if surgery is not a viable option – like if the cancer has spread, then called locally advanced cervical cancer – is chemotherapy and radiation treatment at the same time. This phase I clinical trial is simply looking to add ipilimumab to this regimen, but once the chemo/radiation has been completed (LACC article). Chemo and radiation destroy tumor cells, which causes tumor-associated antigens to be released. Once released, these antigens are exogenous (outside the cell) and will be presented to helper T cells to initiate an immune response.
There is a disease spreading out in the world called Hepatitis C. It affects the liver and may cause the liver to fail. This disease is caused by a virus called Hepatitis C virus which is also known as HCV. About 32,000 people are affected with this disease per year only in the United States area. Some It’s a disease with many symptoms and many causes. of these symptoms are easy bruising, upset stomach and fever. These are just some of the many symptoms that come from the virus. Hepatitis Cs nature of the causative agent is determined by many things. The biological data of this disease is filled so much information. It is estimated that over 180 million people have gotten Hepatitis C and it is growing.
This case study is about Abdul Chidiac, a 51 year old male, married with 4 children. He had a medical history of hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and cirrhosis with two admissions in the last six months. He is a smoker and drinks beer, 5-6 bottles per day. As Carithers & McClain (2010) explained the patient’s medical history is another indicator of the risk for cirrhosis; the progression to cirrhosis is adaptable and may take time over weeks or many years. Cirrhosis is a liver disease characterized by permanent scarring of the liver that interferes with its normal functions including alcoholism. Most people who drink large amounts of alcohol cause harm to the liver in some way (Heidelbaugh & Bruderly, 2006). The cause of cirrhosis is not yet known, but the connection between cirrhosis and excessive alcohol ingestion is established (Jenkins & Johnson, 2010). Common causes of cirrhosis include: alcohol abuse, hepatitis B infection, hepatitis C infection and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (Schuppan & Afdhal, 2008).
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may begin as a single tumor that grows larger over time or as a group of small tumors on and inside the liver that multiply and grow. HCC is most common in people with cirrhosis (chronic liver damage) or Hepatitis, and it is the most common form of liver cancer in adults. This type of liver cancer accounts for 4 out of 5 primary liver cancer diagnosis.
Cancer develops when cells in a part of the body begin to grow out of
Zein, N. N., & Edwards, K. (2009). The Cleveland Clinic guide to liver disorders. New York: Kaplan Pub.
Blood and urine based biomarkers used in molecular pathology are only indicative of the average response of the cell population affected with little or no information of the range of response or variability form areas of tissue (Naddler and Langley 2001)
The research fellowship focuses on all aspects of preventive medicine with special focus on evidence-based medicine. Throughout the course of my training, I have conducted several systematic reviews and meta-analysis that supported important clinical practice guidelines for several scientific societies. As a methodologist, I have had a great opportunity to support the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) in producing their current guideline in the management of chronic Hepatitis B virus and currently we are working on similar guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma. I have honored to be the leading methodologist in both