Dysregulation of Liver Regeneration by Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Impact on Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Liver regeneration after injury or partial removal is a complicated and critical process that can be affected by several factors such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) or intracellular signaling pathways. Understanding regeneration repressive mechanisms provides insight to encounter these inhibitory factors and prevent further complications including liver cancer. Here we summarized pathways of liver regeneration and pointed out in detail, the different mechanisms that may dysregulate this process during HBV infection. In addition, other intracellular factors and pathways related to the regulation of liver regeneration have been recapped. The overall information provided here can be beneficial for understanding the method of preventing and treatment of liver failure due to the defective regeneration. ABSTRACT: The liver is unique in its ability to regenerate in response to damage. The complex process of liver regeneration consists of multiple interactive pathways. About 2 billion people worldwide have been infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), and HBV causes 686,000 deaths each year due to its complications. Long-term infection with HBV, which causes chronic inflammation, leads to serious liver-related diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV infection has been reported to interfere with the critical mechanisms required for liver regeneration. In this review, the studies on liver tissue characteristics and liver regeneration mechanisms are summarized. Moreover, the inhibitory mechanisms of HBV infection in liver regeneration are investigated. Finally, the association between interrupted liver regeneration and hepatocarcinogenesis, which are both triggered by HBV infection, is outlined. Understanding the fundamental and complex liver regeneration process is expected to provide significant therapeutic advantages for HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.