Immunohistochemicala Study for the Expression of Hepatitis C Virus Antigens in Chronic Liver Diseases

Lee, Dong Soo; Choi, Sang Wook; Kim, Sung Soo; Ahn, Byung Min; Yang, Jin Mo; Lee, Young Suk; Lee, Chang Don; Chung, Kyu Won; Sun, Hee Sik; Park, Doo Ho

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The localization of HCV-infected hepatocytes in the liver of patients with chronic hepatitis remains unclear since antibodies and tissues are limited. In this study, we analysed the distribution of HCV Ag and histological activities in chronic hepatitis type C. This study was performed to detect HCV-infected hepatocytes immunohistochemically with a monoclonal antibody to HCV capsid fresh protein and to evaluate the histological features of the liver infected by HCV.
METHODS
Liver tissues from 30 patients with chronic liver disease were examined by immunohistochemical staining.
RESULTS
Hepatocytes were positive for HCV capsid protein in 26 of 30 cases (86.7%). HCV antigen positive hepatocytes were distributed in diffuse pattern in 18 cases (69.2%), in lobular pattern in 2 cases (7.7%) and in focal pattem in 6 cases (23.1%). The expression modality of HCV antigen were nuclear form in 14 cases (53.9%), cytoplasmic form in 3 cases (11.5%) and mixed form in 9 cases (34.6%), respectively. The HCV antigen expression in bile duct epithelial cells was found in 12 cases (46.2%). In patients with duration of illness less than 6 months, mixed form (57.1%) was most commonly found. On the other hand, in patients with duration of illness over 6 months, nuclear form (83.3%) was predominant.
CONCLUSIONS
In chronic hepatitis C, hepatitis C virus-infected hepatocytes were diffusely scattered in the lobules. Nuclear staining was observed most frequently. Bile duct epithelial cells were also immunostained.