Expression of Syndecan-1 in Chronic Liver Diseases: Correlation With Hepatic Fibrosis.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: The mechanisms underlying the contribution of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan syndecan-1 to liver tissue injury and to crucial biological processes, such as fibrogenesis, remain to be elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the immunohistochemical expression of syndecan-1 in chronic liver diseases (CLDs) and its probable role in hepatic fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections of biopsy material obtained from 128 patients diagnosed with CLDs. The correlation between syndecan-1 expression and the stage of fibrosis was investigated. RESULTS: According to the severity of fibrosis, cases were categorized into three groups early fibrosis; intermediate fibrosis; advanced fibrosis. Syndecan-1 expression was significantly enhanced in advanced fibrosis compared to early (p<0.012) and intermediate (p<0.003) fibrosis. CONCLUSION: In CLDs, syndecan-1 immunohisto-chemical overexpression was found to be positively correlated with the severity of fibrosis, suggesting its probable role in hepatic fibrogenesis.