Dysregulation of Liver Regeneration by Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Impact on Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

The liver is unique in its ability to regenerate in response to damage. The complex process of liver regeneration consists of multiple interactive pathways. About 2 billion people worldwide have been infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), and HBV causes 686,000 deaths each year due to its complications. Long-term infection with HBV, which causes chronic inflammation, leads to serious liver-related diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV infection has been reported to interfere with the critical mechanisms required for liver regeneration. In this review, the studies on liver tissue characteristics and liver regeneration mechanisms are summarized. Moreover, the inhibitory mechanisms of HBV infection in liver regeneration are investigated. Finally, the association between interrupted liver regeneration and hepatocarcinogenesis, which are both triggered by HBV infection, is outlined. Understanding the fundamental and complex liver regeneration process is expected to provide significant therapeutic advantages for HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.

Keywords: HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma; hepatitis B virus; liver; liver regeneration.

Figure 1

Inhibition of the hepatic regenerative pathway by HBV infection. PHx, partial hepatectomy. This illustration was created with BioRender.com.

Figure 2

Schematic diagram of HBV-related liver regeneration and HCC. The illustration represents the increased incidence of liver cancer due to the abnormal liver regeneration caused by HBV infection. This illustration was created with BioRender.com (accessed on 18 June 2022).