Transforming growth factor a immunoreactivity.

A study in hepatocellular carcinoma and in non-neoplastic liver tissue 

Autores: Pannain Vera Lucia, Morais José Rodrigo, Damasceno Ribeiro Osmar, Avancini Alves Venâncio

Resumen

Background: Transforming growth factor alpha (TGFa) is an important mitogen that binds to epidermal growth factor receptor and is associated with the development of several tumors. Aims: Assessment of the immunoexpression of TGFain hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and in non-neoplastic liver tissue and its relationship to morphological patterns of HCC. Material and methods: The immunohistochemical expression of TGFa was studied in 47 cases of HCC (27 multinodular, 20 nodular lesions). Five lesions measured up to 5 cm and 15 lesions above 5 cm. Thirty-two cases were graded as I or II and 15 as III or IV. The non-neoplastic tissue was examined in 40 cases, of which 22 had cirrhosis. HBsAg and anti-HCV were positive in 5/38 and 15/37 patients, respectively. The statistical analysis for possible association of immunostaining of TGFa and pathological features was performed through chi-square test. Results: TGFa was detected in 31.9% of the HCC and in 42.5% of the non-neoplastic. There was a statistically significant association between the expression of TGFa and cirrhosis (OR = 8.75, 95% CI = [1.93, 39.75]). The TGFaƒnwas detected more frequently in patients anti-HCV(+) than in those HBsAg(+). The immunoexpression of TGFaƒnwas not found related to tumor size or differentiation. In conclusion the TGFaƒnis present in hepatocarcinogenesis in HBV negative patients. Further analysis is needed to examine the involvement of TGFa in the carcinogenesis associated with HCV and other possible agents. In addition, TGFa has an higher expression in hepatocyte regeneration and proliferation in cirrhotic livers than in HCC.

Palabras clave: Hepatocellular carcinoma TGFa immunohistochemical liver.

2012-06-12   |   637 visitas   |   Evalua este artículo 0 valoraciones

Vol. 11 Núm.4. Julio-Agosto 2012 Pags. 495-499 Ann Hepatol 2012; 11(4)