Aerobic glycolysis-driven lactate accumulation and acidic tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma: a vicious cycle promoting tumor progression
Jingtao Li
BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly lethal malignancy with rising global incidence. Aberrantly activated aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of HCC, driving excessive lactate production and the formation of an acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) that promotes malignant progression. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms of this metabolic axis is essential for developing targeted therapeutic strategies.ObjectiveThis review systematically examines the role of the aerobic glycolysis-la