Liver cancer is the fifth most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer death [Baffy 2012]. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main form of liver cancer [Chuang 2008]. Although the main causes of HCC are Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses, alcoholic cirrhosis is an important risk factor for HCC in populations with low prevalence of these viruses [Chuang 2008]. Diabetes is also related to an excess risk of HCC [Chuang 2008]. In addition, several studies have associated obesity and overweight with a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma [Baffy 2012]. Based on previous knowledge, there is a correlation between Type 2 diabetes and obesity. The most common form of diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, is the insulin-resistant group of diabetes [NDIC updated 2012]. Based on the description of Type 2 diabetes, it can be assumed that insulin resistance environment would create high insulin conditions for cellular environments. Previous studies have shown that long-term administration of branched chain amino acids (BCAA) reduced the risk of HCC development in obese cirrhotic patients who were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus [Miuma 2012]. BCAA components are valine, leucine, and isoleucine. This study was designed to examine the effect of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and the expression of VEGF in HepG2 cells under high-insulin culture conditions [Miuma 2012]. HepG2 cells are connective, epithelial-like cells derived from the liver tissue of a fifteen year old male with differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma [Cell Bank]. VEGF is angiogenic, meaning it is released by tumors as signals for angiogenesis, which is defined as the process of forming new blood vessels [NCI updated 2002]. Research has proved one critical event for cancer metastasis is the growth of a new network of blood vessels [NCI updated 2002]. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of BCAA on the development or progression of HCC in patients with hyperinsulinemia from the aspect of angiogenensis [Miuma 2012]. In order to detect the correlation between hyperinsulinemia and HCC progression, newly diagnosed HCC patients were studied. This initial study showed that fasting hyperinsulinemia is a risk factor that is associated with poor prognosis at the early stage of HCC and with a high recurrence rate at the curative stage [Miuma 2012]. Data suggests insulin resistance in chronic liver disease triggers hyperinsulinemia and may modulate the biological characteristics of HCC cells [Miuma 2012].
It has been shown that isoleucine prevents tumor growth in a mouse liver metastatic model of colon cancer through VEGF inhibition [Miuma 2012]. Other reports show that BCAA exerts a chemopreventive effect against HCC, which is associated with the suppression of VEGF expression and development of new blood vessels in obese rats [Miuma 2012]. This data combined suggests VEGF express...