ABSTRACT
Hepatocytes constitute approximately 80% of the liver volume. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer in the world, with an estimated incidence of half a million new cases every year around the world. Several risk factors are implicated as key causes for HCC such as infections due to the hepatitis B and C viruses, obesity, iron overload, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cirrhosis, as well as dietary hepatocarcinogenes, such as aflatoxins and nitrosoamines. The natural agents have demonstrated significant potential in their ability to suppress carcinogenesis in pre-clinical models and delay the occurrence of cancer in high-risk populations. Phytochemicals, such as dietary polyphenols have potent antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory properties, thus providing a promising alternative towards combating HCC. Transgenic and knockout models that target the metabolism of the antioxidants will also be important in understanding the role that specific antioxidants play in the prevention of hepatocarcinogenesis.
