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EMT and Inflammation: The Case of Portal Vein Thrombosis
Helin Sağır1, Hani Alotaibi21Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Türkiye2Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Türkiye
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the primary malignancy of the liver, which is typically associated with underlying chronic liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C infections. Inflammation is a prevailing concern for liver disorders with documented impacts on the tumorigenic and metastatic propensities of individuals afflicted with HCC. Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is a widespread problem among patients with HCC, manifesting in approximately 50% of cases. A comprehensive understanding of the PVTT mechanism is imperative to comprehend and address the challenges associated with HCC progression. The intricate nature of the mechanism underlying PVTT formation and its influence on metastasis progression remains to be fully eluci-dated. Given that the portal venous system's microenvironment is conducive to tumor cells' survival and further metastasis, a critical exploration of the associations and parallels among metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and PVTT becomes paramount. Signaling pathways play diverse roles in the progression of various diseases, with particular significance attributed to their role in HCC advancement, which highlights the necessity for precise determination of their effects in the context of HCC and PVTT. We highlight the significance of understanding the interplay between EMT, inflammation, and PVTT in the HCC context. Furthermore, we revisit the signaling pathways impacting this interconnected network, providing useful perspectives to support research initiatives. This review aims to guide research studies toward promising outcomes in exploring HCC complexities by defining the possible association between PVTT and EMT, thus identifying potential target areas for advanced therapeutics.
Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, portal vein tumor thrombus, Inflammation, Epithelial to mesenchymal transition, signaling pathway.Manuscript Language: English