Mechanisms of osteopontin-mediated effects on chronic hepatic inflammation and cancer

Background and Aims: Osteopontin (OPN) is a ubiquitously expressed protein, which is involved in bone remodeling and immune cell migration and activation. It has been linked to muscle injuries, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. OPN has been found over-expressed in patients with HCV infection and in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatitis virus infection often persist, leading to chronic hepatitis with progression to cirrhosis and HCC. The wnt pathway is associated with higher HCV replication and it is known to be involved in tumor development. In our study we investigated mechanisms and pathways w…