Interplay between sex hormones and hepatocellular carcinoma progression

The aim of the project was to identify molecular mechanisms involved in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with particular emphasis on the role of hormonal signaling pathways, inflammatory processes, and the significance of MCPIP1 protein and microRNAs. The study had an experimental character and was conducted using a mouse model with hepatocyte-specific deletion of the Zc3h12a gene. Analyses of gene expression and protein levels, as well as identification of pathways associated with tumor progression, were carried out at 12, 24, and 40 weeks after administration of the chemical carcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DEN).