Nuclear factor kappa B and hepatitis viruses

Expert Opin Ther Targets. 2008 Mar;12(3):265-80. doi: 10.1517/14728222.12.3.265.

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis can be caused by a number of viruses, which have similar clinical manifestations and render infected individuals at high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer. Current therapies for hepatitis have limited effects and unsatisfactory patient outcomes. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) is critical for immune and inflammatory responses. During its lifetime the cell demands specific and highly regulated control of NF-kappaB activity.

Objective: To develop novel strategies to overcome various hepatitides and related liver cancer with NF-kappaB as the key point.

Methods: All aspects of NF-kappaB control with regard to hepatitis are covered.

Results/conclusion: NF-kappaB plays an important role in the process of hepatitis and is hypothesized to be an anti-cancer factor in the subsequent inflammation-associated hepatocarcinogenesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Hepatitis Viruses / drug effects
  • Hepatitis Viruses / physiology*
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / immunology
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Liver Neoplasms / immunology
  • NF-kappa B / pharmacology
  • NF-kappa B / physiology*
  • NF-kappa B / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • NF-kappa B