By Natalie Lo ‘21

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a common form of liver cancer and is possibly related to an infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) since it can result in cancer formation through activation of oncogenic proteins, inflammation, and cirrhosis. Through a symbiotic relationship, microorganisms in the gut interact with organs in humans, such as the liver, and play an important role in nutrition and immunology. No previous studies have shown a difference between the gut microbiota of patients with HCC related to those of HBV (B-HCC). This unknown difference has captured the attention of Qisha Liu and scientists at the Nanjing Medical University in China.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a common form of liver cancer and is possibly related to an infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) since it can result in cancer formation through activation of oncogenic proteins, inflammation, and cirrhosis. Through a symbiotic relationship, microorganisms in the gut interact with organs in humans, such as the liver, and play an important role in nutrition and immunology. No previous studies have shown a difference between the gut microbiota of patients with HCC related to those of HBV (B-HCC). This unknown difference has captured the attention of Qisha Liu and scientists at the Nanjing Medical University in China.

The researchers concluded that there is a difference between patients with B-HCC and NBNC-HCC, and this difference plays a role in the formation of tumors. This study provides crucial information regarding a potential prevention and treatment for the progression of liver disease by monitoring the different microbiomes in patients and potentially altering the gut microbiota of HCC patients as immunotherapy.

References

1. Q. Liu, et. al., Alteration in gut microbiota associated with hepatitis B and non-hepatitis virus related hepatocellular carcinoma. Gut pathog 11, 1-13 (2019). doi: 10.1186/s13099-018-0281-6.  
2. Image retrieved from: https://www.naturalhealth365.com/microbiome-gut-inflammation-1857.html