Heavy alcohol use, gene variant heighten risk for HCC, mortality in HBV-related cirrhosis

Patients with cirrhosis who have hepatitis B virus infection and a history of heavy alcohol use are at higher risk for hepatocellular carcinoma and mortality, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open.As previously reported, heavy consumption of alcohol increases risk for HCC among patients with cirrhosis and HBV. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene (ALDH2) polymorphism also has been reported to play a role in HCC development, although study results have been mixed.“However, the roles of heavy alcohol intake, ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and HBV infection in the development of HCC andRead More