Update on Pathogenesis of Opisthorchiasis and Cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract

Infection with the food-borne liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini causes cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Whereas the cause of CCA in the West remains obscure, the principal risk factor in Thailand is opisthorchiasis. Here, we review recent findings on the pathogenesis of opisthorchiasis and CCA focusing on helminth molecules/toxic metabolites, host-parasite interaction, endocytosis, immunopathology/inflammatory responses, free radical production, molecular genetic alterations, and multifactorial including coinfections driving to CCA development.

Keywords: Bile duct; Cholangiocarcinoma; Helicobacter; Immunopathology; Inflammation; Opisthorchiasis; Opisthorchis viverrini; Pathogenesis.