| [ Summary ] |
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is usually associated with liver cirrhosis, mainly as a consequence of chronic viral hepatitis with higher risk facters in males than in females. HCC is especially associated with chronic hepatitis C, resulting in the development of liver fibrosis and the subsequent occurence of cirrhosis. Also the host factor is significant in its' association with fibrosis progression in males. In an experimental animal fibrosis model, prolyl 4-hydroxylase inhibitor prevented the development of preneoplastic lesions as well as HCC, in parallel with the reduction of liver fibrosis, without the inhibition of hepatocytes. This data suggests a relationship between fibrosis and development of HCC. |