Role of NF-κB in Hepatocarcinogenesis and Its Potential Inhibition by Dietary Antioxidants

In this review, the role of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) in hepatocarcinogenesis is examined. The administration of several hepatic tumor promoters leads to the activation of NF-kappa B in the liver of rats and mice. Many studies support the hypothesis that the activation of NF-kappa B in the liver is inhibited by antioxidants. The role of NF-kappa B in hepatocarcinogenesis has been examined using NF-kappa B overexpression and knockout models. The role of NF-kappa B in liver carcinogenesis is complex; some models show that NF-kappa B contributes to carcinogenesis whereas others see no effect or an inhibition. Overall, although hepatic tumor promoting agents can activate NF-kappa B and this activation can be inhibited by antioxidants, the significance of this activation is unclear.