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Hepatic progenitor cells in hepatocellular adenomas
L Libbrecht1, R De Vos, D Cassiman
1Department of Pathology, University Hospitals, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. Louis.Libbrecht@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
The American Journal of Surgical Pathology
|October 31, 2001
Summary
Human hepatic progenitor cells were found in nearly half of liver tumors known as hepatocellular adenomas. This suggests these progenitor cells may contribute to the development of liver cancer.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a benign liver tumor with a risk of malignant transformation to hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Oval cells, a type of hepatic progenitor cell, are implicated in liver carcinogenesis in rodents.
- The role of human hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) in liver tumor development is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and potential role of human hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) in hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs).
- To determine if HPCs are associated with the development of liver tumors.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was performed on 10 resected HCA biopsies.
- Antibodies targeting cytokeratins (7, 8, 18, 19), chromogranin-A, OV-6, and neural cell adhesion molecule were used.
- Ultrastructural examination was conducted to confirm cell presence.
Main Results:
- Hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) were identified in 5 out of 10 (50%) hepatocellular adenomas.
- Tumors containing HPCs also showed cells with an intermediate phenotype between HPCs and hepatocytes.
- HPCs and intermediate cells were distributed heterogeneously within the tumors.
Conclusions:
- Hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) are present in a significant proportion of hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs).
- These findings support the hypothesis that human hepatic progenitor cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of liver tumors.
- Further research into HPCs could elucidate mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis.