1. Association of Chronic Hepatitis B With Colorectal Cancer and Its Dual Impact on Colorectal Liver Metastasis: A Narrative Review.
- Author
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Kaur A, Azeez GA, Thirunagari M, Fatima N, Anand A, Palvia AR, and Yu AK
- Abstract
Viral hepatitis B is infamous for being contracted in young adulthood and adolescence, as high-risk behaviors like unprotected sexual intercourse and intravenous drug abuse are common. Most infections caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) are cleared without any long-term sequelae, but some may persist and cause chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This chronicity may produce a state of prolonged inflammation and significantly increase the risk of developing colorectal adenomas (CRA) and colorectal carcinomas (CRC). The aim of this review is to deep-dive into the mechanisms by which CHB may predispose a patient to develop CRA and, more grimly, CRC. It also focuses on studying the influence of CHB on colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM). We conducted a comprehensive literature search using databases like PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on studies that investigate the role of HBV in colorectal carcinogenesis and CRLM rates in patients suffering from CHB. Chronic inflammation, viral protein interactions with tumor suppressor genes, alteration of cellular pathways such as wingless-related integration site (Wnt) signaling, and extrahepatic accumulation of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were the key mechanisms identified. Quite peculiarly, CHB, which is thought to increase the risk for CRA, seemed to protect against CRLM probably due to its sclerosing effect on the liver parenchyma and due to certain immune-mediated mechanisms that suppress tumor growth. Nonetheless, high viral count or the presence of hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) was found to increase the risk for CRLM, potentially due to increased angiogenesis in the liver. These findings provide convincing evidence that enhanced colonoscopic screening and stronger management protocols for patients suffering from it have the potential to reduce the risk of developing CRC and CRLM., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Kaur et al.)
- Published
- 2024
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