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 alpha-SMA positive HSCs in perisinusoidal, periportal and pericentral regions of liver
Methods: Liver biopsies of sixty Chronic Hepatitis C cases were immmunostained using anti alpha-SMA antibody. To assess immunoexpression, semi quantitative scoring was done in three areas in each sample; pericentral, periportal and perisinusoidal area
Results: Immunoexpression of alpha-SMA was observed in all area with strongest staining on HSCs of perisinusoidal area
Conclusion: alpha-SMA can represent a useful marker for early hepatic stellate cells activation in our population and can help target patients requiring aggressive therapy
ABSTRACT
Objective: This study aims to determine expression of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein and of Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin [a-SMA] in hepatic stellate cells of CMC cases and their association with stage of fibrosis
Methods: The study was conducted at Ziauddin University, Clifton Campus during the year 2010-2012
Sixty Chronic Hepatitis C cases were immmunostained using anti a-SMA antibody and anti-GFAP antibody
Semi quantitative scoring in pericentral, periportal and perisinusoidal area of each case was done to assess immunoexpression of each marker
Results: Immunoexpression of GFAP showed significant association with a-SMA. GFAP expression was inversely correlated with progression of fibrosis
Conclusion: GFAP could represent a useful marker for early hepatic stellate cells activation
Follow up biopsies showing decline in GFAP levels may help identify the target group requiring aggressive therapy