Altered gut microbiota in hepatocellular carcinoma: Insights into the pathogenic mechanism and preclinical to clinical findings
Bhrigu Kumar Das
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. It is usually the result of pre-existing liver damage caused by hepatitis B and/or C virus infection, alcohol consumption, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), aflatoxin exposure, liver cirrhosis, obesity, and diabetes. A growing body of evidence suggests that gut microbes have a role in cancer genesis. More research into the microbiome gut-liver axis has recently contributed to understanding how the gut microbiome facilitates liver disease or even HCC progression. This review focuses on the preclinical results of gut-related hepatocarcinogenesis and probiotics, prebiotics, and antibiotics as therapeutic interventions to maintain gut microbial flora and minimize HCC-associated symptoms. Understanding the mechanistic link between the gut microbiota, host, and cancer progression could aid us in elucidating the cancer-related pathways and drive us toward preventing HCC-associated gut microbiota dysbiosis.