α-SMA as a Mesenchymal marker in Chronic Hepatitis C Infection.

Authors

  • Sobia Hassan
  • Sofia Amjad
  • Farah Ahmed

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.

Additional Files

Published

2024-05-17

How to Cite

1.
Sobia Hassan, Sofia Amjad, Farah Ahmed. α-SMA as a Mesenchymal marker in Chronic Hepatitis C Infection. PJMD [Internet]. 2024 May 17 [cited 2024 Nov. 2];4(4). Available from: https://ojs.zu.edu.pk/pjmd/article/view/2966