α-SMA as a Mesenchymal marker in Chronic Hepatitis C Infection.
Abstract
Background:
Liver biopsy so far, is the mainstay of diagnosing hepatic fibrosis. Activated HSCs express certain mesenchymal markers, of which Smooth Muscle Actin is a well-known marker. This study aims to appreciate expression of Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin in hepatic stellate cells of CHC cases and to find out the frequency of α-SMA positive HSCs in perisinusoidal, periportal and pericentral regions of liver.
Methods:
Liver biopsies of sixty Chronic Hepatitis C cases were immmunostained using anti α-SMA antibody. To assess immunoexpression, semi quantitative scoring was done in three areas in each sample; pericentral, periportal and perisinusoidal area.
Results:
Immunoexpression of α-SMA was observed in all area with strongest staining on HSCs of perisinusoidal area.
Conclusion:
α-SMA can represent a useful marker for early hepatic stellate cells activation in our population and can help target patients requiring aggressive therapy.
KEY WORDS:
α-SMA, CHC, liver fibrosis, Hepatic Stellate Cells.
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