RESUMO
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. HCC occurs predominantly in patients with underlying chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, and it presents a poor prognosis in advanced stage. Since its approval, for the following 10 years, sorafenib remained the only systemic agent with proven clinical efficacy for patients with advanced HCC. Recently, more drugs have been studied and several advances in firstline and secondline treatment options should yield significant improvements in survival. Lenvatinib, another tyrosinekinase inhibitor, was found to be non-inferior to sorafenib in terms of overall survival (OS), with significantly better progression-free survival and objective response rate (ORR). The tyrosinekinase inhibitors, regorafenib and cabozantinib, were shown to significantly improve survival in the secondline setting after sorafenib failure. Ramucirumab, a VEGF inhibitor, can also improve survival in the secondline setting among patients with AFP≥400 ng/dL. Moreover, good efficacy was seen in phase I/II trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors as monotherapy. Ongoing trials are evaluating combination immune checkpoint inhibitor and tyrosinekinase inhibitors or VEGF inhibitors for increasing overall survival in this patient population with advanced HCC.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos Imunológicos/uso terapêutico , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/tratamento farmacológico , Inibidores de Checkpoint Imunológico/uso terapêutico , Neoplasias Hepáticas/tratamento farmacológico , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/mortalidade , Previsões , Humanos , Neoplasias Hepáticas/mortalidade , Taxa de SobrevidaRESUMO
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major health problem worldwide, with approximatively 240 million people living with a chronic HBV infection. HBV chronic infection remains the major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide, with more than half of HCC patients being chronic HBV carriers, even if underlying mechanisms of tumorigenesis are not totally understood. HBV-related HCC can be prevented by reducing the exposure to HBV by vaccination or by treatment of CHB infection. Current treatment of CHB are Peg-IFN alpha and oral NUCs. Treating HBV infection, either with IFN or NUCs, substantially reduces the risk of HCC development, even if antiviral therapy fails to completely eliminate HCC risk. Among treated patients, cirrhosis, HBeAg negative at baseline and failure to remain in virological remission were associated with an increased risk of HCC. The reduction of the risk of developing HCC during antiviral therapy is largely dependent upon the maintenance of virological remission, since viral load is found to be the most important factor leading to cirrhosis and its complications, including liver cancer development. The question whether Peg-IFN-alpha is superior to NUCs and whether there is a superior agent among NUCs is still controversial. Several studies demonstrated that antiviral therapy with NUCs could reduce the risk of HCC recurrence after curative treatment of HBV-related HCC.
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Antivirais/uso terapêutico , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/epidemiologia , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/etiologia , Hepatite B Crônica/complicações , Hepatite B Crônica/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Hepáticas/epidemiologia , Neoplasias Hepáticas/etiologia , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/prevenção & controle , Humanos , Neoplasias Hepáticas/prevenção & controle , Nucleosídeos/uso terapêutico , Medição de RiscoRESUMO
Drug induced liver injury (DILI) is a necro-inflammatory liver disease caused by several drugs commonly used in clinical practice, herbs and dietary supplements prescribed for medical purposes. Despite its rarity, it represents the major cause of acute liver failure (ALF) requiring liver transplantation in USA and its frequency is increasing in Europe too. Two types of drug induced liver injury have been recognized: intrinsic and idiosyncratic. Predisposing factors may be classified in environmental, drugs- and individual- related risk factors, with the latter further distinguished in genetics and non-genetics. The liver injury can present with a hepatocellular, cholestatic or mixed pattern of disease. A definitive diagnosis of DILI is, nowadays, one of the main challenging issue in the management of these patients. Diagnosis often is based on suspicion derived from clinical history, biochemical exams and eventually on histological examination from liver biopsy. Score system may be helpful in these setting and new markers are gaining more prominence. Evaluation for liver transplantation is indicated when spontaneous resolution does not occur or in cases of ALF. Overall, the 1-year survival rate following liver transplantation is lower than that seen in patients who have been transplanted for chronic liver failure; however long-term survival is higher compared to other indications.
Assuntos
Doença Hepática Induzida por Substâncias e Drogas/etiologia , Doença Hepática Induzida por Substâncias e Drogas/cirurgia , Transplante de Fígado , Doença Hepática Induzida por Substâncias e Drogas/diagnóstico , HumanosRESUMO
BACKGROUND & AIMS: The eradication of Hepatitis C (HCV) infection by direct-acting antiviral (DAAs) agents has been linked to an amelioration of liver synthesis and regression of fibrosis. Although changes in number and type of circulating microvesicles (MVs) have been reported in cirrhosis, conclusive data on the effect of DAAs treatment on MVs profile in HCV cirrhotic patients remain scarce. METHODS: We measured the levels of endothelial, platelet and hepatocyte MVs, as well as MVs-expressing versican core protein (VCAN+) in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis at baseline, end of treatment (EOT), at 12, 24 and 48 weeks (W) after EOT by new generation flow cytometry. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were enrolled (86% Child's A). MVs were increased at EOT vs baseline, though only platelet MVs revealed a statistically significant difference (P < .01). MV levels did not change significantly after EOT notwithstanding a steady downward trend towards baseline levels. Conversely, VCAN + MVs dropped significantly at EOT (P < .001) and remained low throughout the follow-up. Hepatocyte MVs significantly correlated with liver stiffness (r = .40, P = .0021). Eight composite outcomes occurred during the 1-year follow-up: three portal vein thromboses (PVTs), two hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and three liver decompensation. Child's B, the presence of F2 oesophageal varices (OR for interaction 19.2 [95% CI 1.45-253.7], P = .023) and platelet MVs (OR 1.026 [95% CI 1.00-1.05, P = .023) correlated significantly with clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: VCAN + MVs appear to mirror the profibrotic status of the cirrhotic disease; hepatocyte MVs correlate with liver stiffness and increased platelet MV levels could be associated with a worse clinical outcome.
Assuntos
Hepatite C Crônica , Hepatite C , Neoplasias Hepáticas , Antivirais/uso terapêutico , Criança , Hepatite C/tratamento farmacológico , Hepatite C Crônica/complicações , Hepatite C Crônica/tratamento farmacológico , Humanos , Cirrose Hepática/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Hepáticas/tratamento farmacológicoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Magnetic resonance (MR) risk scores and liver stiffness (LS) have individually been shown to predict clinical outcomes in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The aim of this study was to assess their complementary prognostic value. METHODS: Patients with PSC from 3 European centers with a 3-dimensional MR cholangiography available for central reviewing and a valid LS measurement assessed by vibration-controlled transient elastography by FibroScan performed within a 6-month interval were included in a longitudinal retrospective study. The MR score (Anali) without gadolinium (Gd) was calculated according to the formula: (1 × dilatation of intrahepatic bile ducts) + (2 × dysmorphy) + (1 × portal hypertension). The primary end point was survival without liver transplantation or cirrhosis decompensation. The prognostic values of LS and Anali score without Gd were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-two patients were included. Over a total follow-up of 753 patient-years, 40 patients experienced an adverse outcome (4 liver transplantations, 6 liver-related deaths, and 30 cirrhosis decompensations). LS and Anali score without Gd were significantly correlated (ρ = 0.51, P < 0.001) and were independently associated with the occurrence of an adverse outcome. Optimal prognostic thresholds were 10.5 kPa for LS and 2 for the Anali score without Gd. Hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) were 2.07 (1.06-4.06) and 3.78 (1.67-8.59), respectively. The use in combination of these 2 thresholds allowed us to separate patients into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups for developing adverse outcomes. The 5-year cumulative rates of adverse outcome in these 3 groups were 8%, 16%, and 38% (P < 0.001), respectively. DISCUSSION: The combined use of MRI and vibration-controlled transient elastography permits easy risk stratification of patients with PSC.
Assuntos
Colangiografia , Colangite Esclerosante/diagnóstico por imagem , Técnicas de Imagem por Elasticidade , Cirrose Hepática Biliar/diagnóstico por imagem , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Adulto , Colangiocarcinoma/epidemiologia , Colangiocarcinoma/mortalidade , Colangite/mortalidade , Colangite Esclerosante/epidemiologia , Colangite Esclerosante/mortalidade , Colangite Esclerosante/cirurgia , Comorbidade , Feminino , Humanos , Doenças Inflamatórias Intestinais/epidemiologia , Fígado/diagnóstico por imagem , Cirrose Hepática Biliar/epidemiologia , Cirrose Hepática Biliar/mortalidade , Cirrose Hepática Biliar/cirurgia , Transplante de Fígado , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Prognóstico , Intervalo Livre de Progressão , Medição de Risco , Choque Séptico/mortalidade , VibraçãoRESUMO
Growing interest is recently being focused on the role played by the platelets in favoring hepatocellular cancer (HCC) growth and dissemination. The present review reports in detail both the experimental and clinical evidence published on this topic. Several growth factors and angiogenic molecules specifically secreted by platelets are directly connected with tumor progression and neo-angiogenesis. Among them, we can list the platelet-derived growth factor, the vascular endothelial growth factor, the endothelial growth factor, and serotonin. Platelets are also involved in tumor spread, favoring endothelium permeabilization and tumor cells' extravasation and survival in the bloodstream. From the bench to the clinics, all of these aspects were also investigated in clinical series, showing an evident correlation between platelet count and size of HCC, tumor biological behavior, metastatic spread, and overall survival rates. Moreover, a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the platelet-tumor axis represents a paramount aspect for optimizing both current tumor treatment and development of new therapeutic strategies against HCC.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Advances in direct-acting antiviral treatment of HCV have reinvigorated public health initiatives aimed at identifying affected individuals. We evaluated the possible impact of only diagnosed and linked-to-care individuals on overall HCV burden estimates and identified a possible strategy to achieve the WHO targets by 2030. METHODS: Using a modelling approach grounded in Italian real-life data of diagnosed and treated patients, different linkage-to-care scenarios were built to evaluate potential strategies in achieving the HCV elimination goals. RESULTS: Under the 40% linked-to-care scenario, viraemic burden would decline (60%); however, eligible patients to treat will be depleted by 2025. Increased case finding through a targeted screening strategy in 1948-1978 birth cohorts could supplement the pool of diagnosed patients by finding 75% of F0-F3 cases. Under the 60% linked-to-care scenario, viraemic infections would decline by 70% by 2030 but the patients eligible for treatment will run out by 2028. If treatment is to be maintained, a screening strategy focusing on 1958-1978 birth cohorts could capture 55% of F0-F3 individuals. Under the 80% linked-to-care scenario, screening limited in 1968-1978 birth cohorts could sustain treatment at levels required to achieve the HCV elimination goals. CONCLUSION: In Italy, which is an HCV endemic country, the eligible pool of patients to treat will run out between 2025 and 2028. To maintain the treatment rate and achieve the HCV elimination goals, increased case finding in targeted, high prevalence groups is required.
Assuntos
Causas de Morte , Erradicação de Doenças/tendências , Hepatite C/epidemiologia , Mortalidade/tendências , Viremia/epidemiologia , Antivirais/uso terapêutico , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/mortalidade , Efeitos Psicossociais da Doença , Hepatite C/diagnóstico , Hepatite C/tratamento farmacológico , Humanos , Itália/epidemiologia , Cirrose Hepática/mortalidade , Neoplasias Hepáticas/mortalidade , Cadeias de Markov , Resposta Viral Sustentada , Viremia/diagnóstico , Viremia/tratamento farmacológico , Organização Mundial da SaúdeRESUMO
BACKGROUND & AIMS: The histological intrahepatic microvasculature lesions have not been deeply investigated outside the setting of portal hypertension. The aim of this study was to analyse the type and the prevalence of microvasculature abnormalities and their correlation with inflammatory activity, fibrosis stage and tissue markers of fibrogenesis, angiogenesis and oxidative DNA damage in liver biopsies obtained from patients with chronic viral hepatitis. METHODS: Seventy-four liver biopsies from untreated patients affected by hepatitis B (22 cases) and C (52 cases) were included. The presence of microvascular changes was correlated with (i) the severity of the activity and fibrosis; (ii) immunohistochemical markers of angiogenesis (CD34) and hepatic stellate cells activation (alpha-smooth muscle actin); (iii) a tissue marker of oxidative damage (8-OHdG adducts). RESULTS: Sixty-five out of 74 biopsies (87.8%) showed vascular lesions. Portal angiomatosis was the most prevalent (62.2%) and it was associated with, on 1 side, the fibrosis stage at both univariate (P < .0001) and multivariate analysis (P = .01, OR = 9.4 [1.6-54]) and, on the other, with angiogenesis (P = .05) and hepatic stellate cells activation (P = .002). Interestingly, 36/46 cases with portal angiomatosis were at early/intermediate fibrosis stage. The hepatic stellate cells activation was also associated with the presence of aberrant periportal vessels (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: The histological alterations of intrahepatic microvasculature, usually seen in cirrhosis and portal hypertension, occur in chronic viral hepatitis even at early/intermediate fibrosis stages. Their correlation with angiogenesis and fibrogenesis supports a possible involvement in disease progression.
Assuntos
Hepatite B/patologia , Hepatite C/patologia , Hipertensão Portal/patologia , Cirrose Hepática/patologia , Adulto , Idoso , Biomarcadores/análise , Feminino , Células Estreladas do Fígado/patologia , Hepatite B/complicações , Hepatite C/complicações , Humanos , Imuno-Histoquímica , Fígado/irrigação sanguínea , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Análise Multivariada , Neovascularização Patológica/patologia , Análise de Regressão , Índice de Gravidade de DoençaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Numerous donor and recipient risk factors influence survival after liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the effect of donor and recipient variables on 12-month patient and graft survival after LT. Five hundred forty-six patients underwent LT in a single center (2000-2010). RESULTS: Bilirubin (P=0.006) and cold ischemia time (P=0.002) were predictive of graft loss at 12 months after LT. Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score ≥25 was associated with a lower 12-month graft survival than Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score <15 (P=0.02). Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive patients showed a lower survival than HCV-negative patients 12 months after LT (P=0.04), with serum sodium concentration (P=0.01) predictive for graft survival. Donor age demonstrated a trend of prediction (P=0.05) for HCV-positive patient survival. In hepatocellular carcinoma patients, donor age (P=0.02 and 0.02) and use of partial graft (P=0.01 and 0.02) were predictive of patient and graft survival at 12 months after LT. CONCLUSIONS: Bilirubin and cold ischemia time are crucial for graft outcome post-LT. Survival in HCV-positive patients is lower than in HCV-negative recipients. Donor age and partial graft use are predictive of patient and graft survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
Assuntos
Sobrevivência de Enxerto , Transplante de Fígado/métodos , Doadores Vivos , Adolescente , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Idoso , Bilirrubina/metabolismo , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patologia , Doença Hepática Terminal/patologia , Feminino , Hepacivirus , Hepatite C/complicações , Humanos , Isquemia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Prospectivos , Resultado do Tratamento , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND & AIMS: HBV-related chronic liver disease is one of the most common indications for liver transplantation (LT) in Europe. The ELTR database was used to evaluate outcomes and evolution over 20 years (01/1988 and 12/2010). METHODS: HBV transplanted patients were analysed according to indication for LT: decompensated cirrhosis (HBVdec) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV/HCC). These groups were compared with co-infected patients HBV/HDV (HBDV), HBV/HCV (HBCV), HBV/HDV/HCV (HBDCV); n = 16,664 and with HCV patients (n = 2452) according to LT indication. RESULTS: 5912 patients were transplanted for HBV (78% HBVdec, 22% HBV/HCC), with HBV/HCC patients who increased from 15.8% in 1988-1995 to 29.6% in 2006-2010 (p < 0.001). In HBVdec patients, 1, 3, 5, and 10 year patient and graft survival was 83%, 78%, 75%, 68%, and 80%, 74%, 71%, 64%, respectively, significantly better than HBV/HCC (84%, 73%, 68%, 61%, and 81%, 70%, 65%, 58% respectively; p = 0.001 and p = 0.026). In 2006-2010 patient and graft survival significantly improved compared to 1988-1995, both for HBVdec and HBV/HCC (each p < 0.001). A better patient and graft survival was seen in HBV/HCC patients with HBV-DNA(-) compared to HBV-DNA(+) at the time of LT (p < 0.001). Disease recurrence, as cause of death/graft loss, was significantly reduced in recent years compared to the past: currently <1% for HBVdec and 3% for HBV/HCC. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of LT for HBV have improved in recent years, with disease recurrence being no longer a significant cause of death/graft loss. HBV-DNA at the time of LT seems to influence survival only in HBV/HCC patients.
Assuntos
Vírus da Hepatite B , Hepatite B Crônica/complicações , Hepatite B Crônica/epidemiologia , Cirrose Hepática/cirurgia , Cirrose Hepática/virologia , Transplante de Fígado , Sistema de Registros , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/mortalidade , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/cirurgia , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/virologia , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Comorbidade , Europa (Continente)/epidemiologia , Feminino , Hepatite C Crônica/complicações , Hepatite C Crônica/epidemiologia , Hepatite D Crônica/complicações , Hepatite D Crônica/epidemiologia , Humanos , Cirrose Hepática/mortalidade , Neoplasias Hepáticas/mortalidade , Neoplasias Hepáticas/cirurgia , Neoplasias Hepáticas/virologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/epidemiologia , Recidiva , Estudos Retrospectivos , Taxa de Sobrevida , Resultado do Tratamento , Adulto JovemRESUMO
: Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality among solid-organ transplant patients, but approaches to diagnosis and management vary considerably. An international multidisciplinary panel evaluated current understanding of risk factors and classification systems and developed recommendations to aid in PTLD prevention. We considered evidence on PTLD risk factors including Epstein-Barr virus serostatus and immunosuppression and identified knowledge gaps for future research. Recommendations address prophylactic and preemptive strategies to minimize PTLD development, including modulation of immunosuppression and antiviral drug regimens. Finally, new classification criteria were outlined that may help facilitate standardized reporting and improve our understanding of PTLD.
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Transtornos Linfoproliferativos/etiologia , Transplante de Órgãos/efeitos adversos , Infecções por Vírus Epstein-Barr/complicações , Humanos , Terapia de Imunossupressão/efeitos adversos , Transtornos Linfoproliferativos/classificação , Transtornos Linfoproliferativos/prevenção & controle , Fatores de Risco , Carga ViralRESUMO
Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) represents the only reliable therapeutic approach for acute liver failure (ALF), liver failure associated to end-stage chronic liver diseases (CLD) and non-metastatic liver cancer. The clinical impact of liver failure is relevant because of the still high ALF mortality and the increasing worldwide prevalence of cirrhosis that, in turn, is the main predisposing cause for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, in the next decade because an increased number of patients reaching end-stage disease and requiring OLT may face a shortage of donor livers. This clinical scenario led several laboratories to explore the feasibility and efficiency of alternative approaches, involving cellular therapy, to counteract liver failure. The present chapter overviews results and concepts emerged from recent experimental and clinical studies in which adult or embryonic hepatocytes, hepatic stem/progenitor cells, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells as well as extrahepatic stem cells have been used as putative transplantable cell sources.
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Hepatócitos/transplante , Falência Hepática Aguda/cirurgia , Transplante de Células-Tronco/métodos , Transplante de Medula Óssea , Proliferação de Células , Doença Hepática Terminal , Hepatócitos/fisiologia , Humanos , Células-Tronco Pluripotentes Induzidas/fisiologia , Células-Tronco Pluripotentes Induzidas/transplante , Cirrose Hepática/complicações , Regeneração Hepática/fisiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Bone marrow (BM) cells may transdifferentiate into or fuse with organ parenchymal cells. BM therapy shows promise in murine models of cirrhosis, and clinical trials of bone marrow stem cell therapy for organ healing are underway. However, the BM may contribute to scar-forming myofibroblasts in various organs including the liver. We have studied this axis of regeneration and scarring in murine models of cirrhosis, including an assessment of the temporal and functional contribution of the BM-derived myofibroblasts. METHODS: Female mice were lethally irradiated and received male BM transplants. Carbon tetrachloride or thioacetamide was used to induce cirrhosis. BM-derived cells were tracked through in situ hybridization for the Y chromosome. BM transplants from 2 strains of transgenic mice were used to detect intrahepatic collagen production. RESULTS: In the cirrhotic liver, the contribution of BM to parenchymal regeneration was minor (0.6%); by contrast, the BM contributed significantly to hepatic stellate cell (68%) and myofibroblast (70%) populations. These BM-derived cells were found to be active for collagen type 1 transcription in 2 independent assays and could influence the fibrotic response to organ injury. These BM-derived myofibroblasts did not occur through cell fusion between BM-derived cells and indigenous hepatic cells but, instead, originated largely from the BM's mesenchymal stem cells. CONCLUSIONS: The BM contributes functionally and significantly to liver fibrosis and is a potential therapeutic target in liver fibrosis. Clinical trials of BM cell therapy for liver regeneration should be vigilant for the possibility of enhanced organ fibrosis.
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Transplante de Medula Óssea/efeitos adversos , Cirrose Hepática/patologia , Cirrose Hepática/terapia , Regeneração Hepática/fisiologia , Animais , Biópsia por Agulha , Transplante de Medula Óssea/métodos , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Progressão da Doença , Feminino , Imuno-Histoquímica , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Fotomicrografia , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
After liver injury, parenchymal regeneration occurs through hepatocyte replication. However, during regenerative stress, oval cells (OCs) and small hepatocyte like progenitor cells (SHPCs) contribute to the process. We systematically studied the intra-hepatic and extra-hepatic sources of liver cell replacement in the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg-tg) mouse model of chronic liver injury. Female HBsAg-tg mice received a bone marrow (BM) transplant from male HBsAg-negative mice, and half of these animals received retrorsine to block indigenous hepatocyte proliferation. Livers were examined 3 and 6 months post-BM transplantation for evidence of BM-derived hepatocytes, OCs, and SHPCs. In animals that did not receive retrorsine, parenchymal regeneration occurred through hepatocyte replication, and the BM very rarely contributed to hepatocyte regeneration. In mice receiving retrorsine, 4.8% of hepatocytes were Y chromosome positive at 3 months, but this was frequently attributable to cell fusion between indigenous hepatocytes and donor BM, and their frequency decreased to 1.6% by 6 months, as florid OC reactions and nodules of SHPCs developed. By analyzing serial sections and reconstructing a 3-dimensional map, continuous streams of OCs could be seen that surrounded and entered deep into the nodules of SHPCs, connecting directly with SHPCs, suggesting a conversion of OCs into SHPCs. In conclusion, during regenerative stress, the contribution to parenchymal regeneration from the BM is minor and frequently attributable to cell fusion. OCs and SHPCs are of intrinsic hepatic origin, and OCs can form SHPC nodules.
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Hepatopatias , Regeneração Hepática/fisiologia , Fígado/citologia , Animais , Transplante de Medula Óssea , Doença Hepática Induzida por Substâncias e Drogas , Feminino , Antígenos de Superfície da Hepatite B , Fígado/patologia , Hepatopatias/patologia , Regeneração Hepática/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Transgênicos , Alcaloides de Pirrolizidina/farmacologia , Células-Tronco/fisiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Myofibroblasts of bone marrow origin have recently been found in a number of parenchymal organs such as the gut and kidney. We have analyzed the origin of myofibroblasts within fibrotic liver in 2 scenarios: (1) 7 male patients (hepatitis B; hepatitis B and D; Wilson's disease; hepatitis B, D, and C; and 3 with hepatitis C) who received liver transplants from female donors and subsequently developed liver fibrosis and (2) a female patient who received a bone marrow transplant from a male donor and subsequently developed hepatitis C-induced cirrhosis. METHODS: Through the use of in situ hybridization for the Y chromosome, we have tracked male cells of extrahepatic origin. The phenotype of these male cells was examined by immunohistochemistry using a panel of antibodies against alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha SMA), vimentin, fibulin-2, and leukocyte common antigen (CD45). Confocal microscopy was performed to confirm the location of the Y chromosome probe within the myofibroblast nuclei. RESULTS: Significant numbers of Y chromosome-positive cells in fibrotic areas were found to be positive for alpha-SMA, vimentin, and fibulin-2 and negative for CD45, thus having a myofibroblast phenotype. In the liver transplant cases, 6.8%-22.2% of alpha-SMA-positive myofibroblasts contained the Y chromosome. In the female recipient of a bone marrow transplant from a male donor, 12.4% of the myofibroblasts were Y chromosome positive, indicating a bone marrow origin. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant contribution to liver cirrhosis in humans from extrahepatically derived myofibroblasts in liver disease of diverse etiology.