Hepatokines and adipokines in NASH-related hepatocellular carcinoma

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing in industrialised societies; this is likely secondary to the increasing burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), its progressive form nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and the metabolic syndrome. Cumulative studies suggest that NAFLD-related HCC may also develop in non-cirrhotic livers. However, prognosis and survival do not differ between NAFLDor virus-associated HCC. Thus, research has increasingly focused on NAFLD-related risk factors to better understand the biology of hepatocarcinogenesis and to develop new diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies. One important aspect thereof is the role of hepatokines and adipokines in NAFLD/NASH-related HCC. In this review, we compile current data supporting the use of hepatokines and adipokines as potential markers of disease progression in NAFLD or as early markers of NAFLD-related HCC. While much work must be done to elucidate the mechanisms and interactions underlying alterations to hepatokines and adipokines, current data support the possible utility of these factors - in particular, angiopoietin-like proteins, fibroblast growth factors, and apelin - for detection or even as therapeutic targets in NAFLD-related HCC. (C) 2020 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma is increasing in industrialised societies, likely due to the burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the metabolic syndrome. Research has focused on identifying risk factors for NAFLD-related HCC and exploring new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Liver-derived factors such as hepatokines and adipokines may serve as potential markers for disease progression or therapeutic targets in NAFLD-related HCC.