title: Liver carcinogenesis: rodent models of hepatocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma.
abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma are primary liver cancers, both represent a growing challenge for clinicians due to their increasing morbidity and mortality. In the last few years a number of in vivo models of hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma have been developed. The study of these models is providing a significant contribution in unveiling the pathophysiology of primary liver malignancies. They are also fundamental tools to evaluate newly designed molecules to be tested as new potential therapeutic agents in a pre-clinical set. Technical aspects of each model are critical steps, and they should always be considered in order to appropriately interpret the findings of a study or its planning. The purpose of this review is to describe the technical and experimental features of the most significant rodent models, highlighting similarities or differences between the corresponding human diseases. The first part is dedicated to the discussion of models of hepatocellular carcinoma, developed using toxic agents, or through dietary or genetic manipulations. In the second we will address models of cholangiocarcinoma developed in rats or mice by toxin administration, genetic manipulation and/or bile duct incannulation or surgery. Xenograft or syngenic models are also proposed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
authors.forename: Samuele
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: De Minicis
authors.forename: Tatiana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kisseleva
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Francis
authors.forename: Gianluca Svegliati
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Baroni
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Benedetti
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brenner
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Alvaro
authors.forename: Gianfranco
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Alpini
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marzioni
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D018281:Cholangiocarcinoma / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008114:Liver Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D051379:Mice; D051381:Rats; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous