Role and clinical significance of ductular reaction in the development of hepatocarcinogenesis / 中华肝胆外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Ductular reaction (DR) is a phenomenon that refers to impaired hepatocellular proliferation and activated hepatic stem cells at times of demand such as hepatic regeneration.The components of ductular reactions are thought to be derived from activated hepatic progenitor cells,intermediate hepatobiliary cells,and reactive ductular cells.DRs are thought to play two roles in hepatocarcinogenesis:their hepatic progenitor cells may undergo malignant transformation and migration,and they may contribute to the development of the tumor's microenvironment.Exploring DR phenotype,cellular diversity,and relationship to hepatocarcinogenesis will further enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of human hepatocellular carcinoma with an ultimate goal of developing new therapies.