[Histochemical identification of preneoplastic hepatocellular lesions in the human liver]

The activity of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) as well as glycogen storage within hepatocytes from cirrhotic human liver were investigated by histochemical means. In 4 cases out of 9, many enzyme-altered, PAS positive dysplastic 'foci' were seen. Such lesions may be considered as possible precursors of hepatoma, as already reported in rat liver during chemical carcinogenesis. Among the preneoplastic liver markers, GGT positivity seems the most useful one to be added to the routine histological examination of liver biopsies.