Topic: Metabolic Dysregulation and Liver Cancer: Pioneering the Future of Liver Disease

This Special Issue is focused on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the context of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). MASLD, driven by metabolic risk factors such as insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidemia, is a growing global health concern. While it often begins as hepatic steatosis, it can progress to more severe forms, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (MASH), liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis, creating a favorable environment for HCC development. However, the precise mechanisms linking these metabolic disturbances to liver cancer remain poorly understood and require further investigation.

This Special Issue will explore the molecular and metabolic mechanisms underlying HCC in MASLD, with a focus on how oxidative stress, lipid accumulation, and chronic inflammation contribute to hepatocellular damage and tumorigenesis. These processes promote epigenetic and epitranscriptomic alterations, genomic instability, facilitating the accumulation of mutations and the activation of oncogenic signaling pathways that drive hepatocarcinogenesis.

We invite manuscripts that address the role of metabolic alterations in the initiation and progression of HCC, as well as studies that examine the mechanisms of inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress in hepatocarcinogenesis. Additionally, contributions focused on novel biomarkers for early HCC detection and potential therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic pathways are highly encouraged.

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive platform to advance the understanding of the link between MASLD and liver cancer, with the goal of improving early diagnosis and treatment strategies for HCC.

We look forward to your submissions and thank you for contributing to this vital area of research.