title: The tumorigenic liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini--multiple pathways to cancer.
abstract: Liver fluke infection caused by Opisthorchis viverrini is a major public health problem in Thailand and adjacent countries. In addition to infection-associated morbidity, infection with O. viverrini and the related Clonorchis sinensis are unarguable risk factors for cholangiocarcinoma (CAA, bile-duct cancer). Here we review the pathogenesis of opisthorchiasis and the association between O. viverrini infection and bile-duct cancer, focusing on the molecular parallels between wound healing, chronic inflammation, and cancer development. We review a schema for human disease progression from fluke infection, chronic opisthorchiasis, advanced periductal fibrosis, and cholangiocarcinogenesis, and present a rationale for biomarker discovery to facilitate early intervention. We conclude by addressing post-genomic advances with a view to developing new control strategies to combat this infectious cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002 Thailand. banchob@kku.ac.th
authors.forename: Banchob
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sripa
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Brindley
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mulvenna
authors.forename: Thewarach
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Laha
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Smout
authors.forename: Eimorn
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mairiang
authors.forename: Jeffrey M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Bethony
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Loukas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001650:Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D003906:Developing Countries; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D006801:Humans; D009889:Opisthorchiasis / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D009891:Opisthorchis; D012307:Risk Factors