Conclusions
It is currently thought that a number of different factors influence
HCV-induced HCC. However, due to the lack of appropriate models or data,
it is difficult to determine the specific role of HCV in the malignant
transformation of liver cells. In order to identify and characterize
these mechanisms, researchers have conducted genomic, transcriptomic and
epigenomic studies. These studies have revealed gene mutations and gene
expression changes that play a role in the development of
hepatitis-induced liver cancer. Genomic research has found that
long-term hepatitis virus infection causes significant damage, even
after eradication of hepatitis virus. Our transcriptomic data indicated
that abnormal expression of certain genes and miRNAs is predictive of
which patients will later develop HCC. These genes may represent
biomarkers which could enable significantly earlier detection of HCC.
HCC is not only caused by hepatitis 36. Therefore,
more studies are needed to determine whether genes correlated with
HCV-induced cancer are also correlated with liver cancer caused by other
factors.