ObjectiveTo summarize the application of circulating free DNA (cfDNA) in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodThe relevant literature on the application of cfDNA in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC both domestic and international was reviewed and summarized. ResultsThe cfDNA is an emerging biomarker in recent years. At present, the different detection methods had been reported in a large number of studies to detect abnormal methylation, hot spot mutation, gene copy number variation, quantitative detection of cfDNA concentration, etc. It was found that the cfDNA could be used in the management process of early diagnosis, treatment guidance, and efficacy evaluation of HCC patients. ConclusionscfDNA detection is a good tool in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC, which can help clinicians make-decisions and bring more possibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC, which is of great significance for changing the current diagnosis and treatment of HCC. However, there are still many challenges in cost control, technology optimization, and standardization of evaluation indicators. With the continuous progress of molecular biology technology and artificial intelligence, the application of cfDNA in diagnosis and treatment of HCC will be further expanded, its advantages will be better played, and the related shortcomings will be gradually solved.
ObjectiveObjective To summarize the latest research progress on the copper death mechanism in metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and to provide new avenues for the treatment of MAFLD. MethodsWe reviewed recent domestic and international research on copper and copper death in MAFLD, and summarized the role of copper death mechanisms in the pathogenesis of MAFLD and related treatments. ResultsCopper death is primarily caused by abnormal intracellular copper accumulation binding to acylated proteins in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, leading to protein oligomerization, downregulation of iron-sulfur cluster protein expression, triggering a toxic stress response, and ultimately cell death. The occurrence and progression of MAFLD are closely associated with genes associated with the copper death pathway. Imbalanced copper metabolism can lead to insulin resistance, causing abnormalities in blood glucose and lipid metabolism, promoting fat accumulation in the liver, and ultimately contributing to the development of MAFLD. Targeting genes involved in the copper death pathway can delay the progression of MAFLD. ConclusionThe occurrence and progression of MAFLD are closely linked to the copper death signaling pathway, with copper metabolism imbalance as a core component. This pathway not only directly leads to hepatocyte death but also triggers insulin resistance and abnormal lipid metabolism, jointly driving the progression of MAFLD. Therefore, targeted regulation of the copper death pathway is a novel therapeutic strategy to slow the progression of MAFLD.
ObjectiveTo understand the current research progress on the role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in liver diseases. MethodThe relevant literature on the role of H2S in the liver diseases published in recent years was retrieved and reviewed. ResultsCurrent research focused primarily on exploring the mechanisms of H2S in various liver diseases. Studies had shown that H₂S played an important role in the occurrence and development of liver diseases through mechanisms such as antioxidative stress, anti-inflammatory effects, regulation of autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, angiogenesis, and cell death. ConclusionsBy supplementing exogenous H2S, adjusting the gut microbiota, or inhibiting key enzymes involved in H₂S synthesis, the concentration of H2S in the body can be modulated, providing new strategies for treating liver diseases. However, the related mechanisms are still controversial. Future research should further investigate the specific role of H2S in different liver diseases and how to precisely control its level in the body to achieve targeted drug delivery.