Study Ties Genetic Deficiency in Males to Onset of Liver Cancer

The development of one of the most common type of liver cancer and diabetes in men is triggered due to a gene deficiency, claims a new study.

The gene NCOA5 is found in both men and women. Researchers at the Michigan State University created a deficiency of the gene NCOA5 in mice and it triggered a spontaneous reaction that led to the development of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma. This cancer is two to four times more prevalent in males than females.

The mice also developed a glucose intolerance, which in humans doubles the risk of type 2 diabetes.  Surprisingly, the researchers noticed that these reactions did not occur in female mice.

"Essentially, what this provides is evidence for a genetic susceptibility in males to this particular type of liver cancer and diabetes," said Hua Xiao, lead researcher of the project and associate professor of physiology in MSU's College of Human Medicine. "Ninety-four percent of the male mice we looked at developed the liver cancer, while 100 percent of these mice developed glucose intolerance."

The researchers presume that the different outcomes in the genders might be due to differing hormonal levels in both. Earlier studies have revealed the protective role estrogen plays against both diseases. As estrogen probably functions through the NCOA5 gene, the risk of cancer is lower in females.

One of the common risk factor of liver cancer is Type 2 diabetes. Treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma is limited and the rise of Type 2 diabetes worldwide is exacerbating the situation. This new finding paves way for novel therapeutic options.

"At this point, it's not known if the genetic deficiency can be reversed and needs to be investigated further. But if it can somehow be changed through treatments such as drug therapies, this could substantially increase the chances of men in particular warding off these diseases," Xiao said.

The study was published in the online issue of Cancer Cell.