Genetic Polymorphisms of Hepatic Abc-Transporter in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Report‪)‬

1. Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequent complication in advanced chronic liver disease, and is a major cause of death worldwide. In Japan, the high prevalence of HCC has largely been attributed to chronic infection by hepatitis virus, especially hepatitis C virus (HCV) [1-3]. HCV infection with persistent inflammation leads to sequential progression from acute to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and eventually HCC in some cases. Since the development of HCC is a multistep process, numerous host factors (including gender, age, ethnicity, and stage of liver disease), viral factors (including viral genotype and levels), and environmental factors (including carcinogens, medications, and food) have been reported to be involved [4]. Further, oxidative products from endogenous and exogenous substances may accumulate in hepatocytes, possibly leading to hepatocarcinogenesis. One important protective function of the liver is the biliary and sinusoidal clearance of such endogenous and