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Concentric membranous bodies and giant mitochondria in hepatocytes from a patient with AIDS

S H Shapiro1, J V Klavins

  • 1Queens Hospital Center, Department of Laboratories, Jamaica, New York 11432.

Ultrastructural Pathology
|September 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Concentric membranous bodies (CMB) and giant mitochondria were observed in liver cells of an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient treated with sulfamethazole-trimethoprim. These findings may indicate regenerative changes or drug effects.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Electron Microscopy
  • Virology

Background:

  • Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can affect liver function.
  • Hepatocyte ultrastructure changes are not well-documented in AIDS patients on specific therapies.
  • Sulfamethazole-trimethoprim is a common antibiotic used in AIDS management.

Observation:

  • Liver biopsy from an AIDS patient on sulfamethazole-trimethoprim revealed concentric membranous bodies (CMB) and giant mitochondria in hepatocytes.
  • These CMBs were irregularly shaped, lamellar whorls with ribosome-studded membranes, found in both periportal and centrilobular areas.
  • Giant mitochondria, sometimes with paracrystalline inclusions, were often associated with CMBs. Tubuloreticular inclusions were observed in Kupffer cells.

Findings:

  • Concentric membranous bodies (CMB) are rare in non-neoplastic human liver tissue.
  • The presence of CMBs and giant mitochondria in this context is unusual.
  • These ultrastructural findings have not been previously reported in AIDS patients.

Implications:

  • The observed changes may be linked to regenerative processes within the liver.
  • Sulfamethazole-trimethoprim therapy could potentially induce these cellular alterations.
  • Further research is needed to understand the clinical significance of CMBs and giant mitochondria in AIDS patients.

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