Is liver regeneration key in hepatocellular carcinoma

The liver is the largest organ of the mammalian body and has the remarkable ability to fully regenerate in order to maintain tissue homeostasis. The adult liver consists of hexagonal lobules, each with a central vein surrounded by six portal triads localized in the lobule border containing distinct parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells. Because the liver is continuously exposed to diverse stress signals, several sophisticated regenerative processes exist to restore its functional status following impairment. However, these stress signals can affect the liver's capacity to regenerate and may lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most aggressive liver cancers. Here, we review the mechanisms of hepatic regeneration and their potential to influence HCC development.

Automated summary

The liver, as the largest organ in mammals, has the ability to fully regenerate for tissue homeostasis. However, stress signals can impair liver regeneration and contribute to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a highly aggressive liver cancer. This review discusses the mechanisms of hepatic regeneration and their potential role in HCC development.