Hepatitis B and C viruses in hepatitis B surface antigen negative hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been recognized for a long time as a major etiological factor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in endemic regions. HCCs occurring in Europe, an area with a low prevalence of HBV infections, are in fact also linked to chronic HBV infection, as revealed by the detection of the viral genome and HBV X gene transcripts in the tumor. There is also a significant association with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and a complex interplay may occur between HBV, HCV, and other environmental factors such as alcohol, as well as genetic factors. Preliminary evidence exists for a role of HCV in liver carcinogenesis even without the pre-existing cirrhosis.
Bréchot
C
C
Inserm U370, Paris, France.
Minami
M
M
De Mitri
S
S
Paterlini
P
P
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000209:etiology*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000737:chemistry; D000431:Ethanol / Q000633:toxicity; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000150:complications*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D004279:DNA, Viral; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D000431:Ethanol