Researchers from UC San Diego have revealed that high-fat and high-sugar diets can lead to DNA damage, which is a significant contributor to liver cancer, particularly in patients suffering from fatty liver disease. Their study indicates that while liver cells attempt to combat cancer through a defense mechanism of entering senescence (a state of irreversible growth arrest), this response is often ineffective. The findings, published in Nature, detail how DNA damage from poor diets can fuel the progression from fatty liver disease to liver cancer, a concerning trend given the rise in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), notably linked to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
The research employs mouse models and human tissue analyses, concluding that damaged liver cells can survive, becoming potential precursors to cancerous cells. The study opens potential therapeutic avenues targeting DNA damage reversal as a preventive measure for liver cancer, especially for individuals with MASH. The authors highlight the dangers of unhealthy diets comparable to smoking, emphasizing the need for public health awareness about how dietary choices can fundamentally alter cellular functions and increase cancer risks. Furthermore, this research sheds light on the complex relationship between aging, cellular senescence, and cancer development, providing crucial insights for future studies.
