Introduction : Studies are urgently needed on it molecular pathogenesis and biological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Dysregulation of fatty acid (FA) metabolism, in which aberrant activation of oncogenic signaling pathways alters the expression and activity of lipid-metabolizing enzymes, is an emerging hallmark of cancer cells, and it may be involved in HCC development and progression.

Methods : We summarize the characteristics of FA metabolism in HCC, focusing on the pathways of FA synthesis, oxidation, uptake and transport. We also provide a brief review of the relationship between NAFLD and HCC development.

Results : The current review summarizes the dysregulated FA metabolism in HCC and pathways through which this dysregulation may regulate HCC survival and growth. Aberrant activation of oncogenic signaling pathways regulates the expression and activity of lipid-metabolizing enzymes, thus reprogramming FA metabolism to promote HCC development and progression. Intracellular FAs are required for biosynthesis of most biological membrane lipids and signaling molecules, and are also used to provide energy to support HCCs survival and proliferation, when necessary, through β-oxidation process. HCC cells can employ appropriate metabolic pathways as different situation demands. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and HCC exhibits differential requirement for de novo lipogenesis and distinct response to therapeutic approaches focusing on inhibition of exogenous FA uptake. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease related obesity and diabetes have increasingly emerged as two major factors responsible for the rise in prevalent of HCC.

Conclusions : Our understanding of dysregulated FA metabolism and associated signaling pathways may contribute to the development of novel and efficient anti-tumor approaches for patients with HCC.