Fatty liver develops into liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma: HCC) caused by the process of accumulating damage...

Fatty liver develops into liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma: HCC) caused by the process of accumulating damage to the liver over time as follows:

Mechanism sequence from fatty liver → liver cancer

1. Abnormally excessive fat accumulation in the liver cells.

When the body has Insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, or high blood fat.

→ Fat (Triglyceride, Free fatty acid) accumulates in liver cells.

Liver cells begin Work abnormally and cause stress

2. Chronic inflammation of the liver (NASH)

Too much accumulated fat will cause

Free radicals occur (Oxidative stress)

Mitochondria in liver cells are damaged.

The body secretes inflammatory substances such as

TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB

Liver cells are repeatedly damaged and chronic inflammation occurs.

3. Liver cell death + faulty repair

When liver cells die The body will stimulate the creation of new cells to replace.

But in chronic inflammation

Cell division is rapid and frequent.

Chances of DNA errors (Mutations) increasing

The DNA repair system is impaired.

Starting to have liver cells mutating

4. Liver fibrosis → Cirrhosis

Chronic inflammation triggers

Stellate cells create membranes.

Distorted liver structure abnormal blood flow

There is a lack of oxygen in a specific area.

The environment in the liver is conducive to the development of cancer cells.

5. Abnormalities in cell growth control signals

Found to stimulate cancer-related pathways, such as

Wnt/β-catenin

PI3K/Akt/mTOR

Reduction of tumor suppressor genes (such as p53)

Abnormal cells are not eliminated. and grows uncontrollably

6. Gut–Liver Axis

in patients with chronic fatty liver

Leaky gut

Bacterial toxins, such as LPS, enter the liver.

Stimulates inflammation and increases the incidence of cancer.

Brief summary

Fatty liver → Chronic inflammation → DNA damage → Fibrosis/cirrhosis → Liver cancer