Dr. Hussain's research interests are primarily in the molecular epidemiology of cancer. Of specific focus are risk factors that relate to immune function and response, including inherited genetic variation in immune-related genes, biomarkers of immune response, and immune-modulating environmental and host factors. Cancers of interest include anogenital cancers, gastrointestinal cancers, skin cancers, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The overarching goals of Dr. Hussain's current research projects are to gain a better understanding of the biological underpinnings and pathogenesis of cancer and to identify biomarkers for early detection. This specific project is focused on addressing the urgent need to identify pathways for the progression of liver cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through the investigation of biomarkers in the blood and duodenum. Currently, the only clinical option for the increasing, high-risk population of patients with liver cirrhosis is to watch and wait for HCC to develop. This study will provide valuable new information on the relative contributions of bile acids - markers of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure - and immune response to LPS to HCC development in a high-risk cirrhotic cohort. This information may open prospects for therapeutic interventions or new parameters for transplant prioritization that could delay or avert HCC in the cirrhotic patient.