Analysis of Histological and Immunohistochemical Patterns of the Liver in Posthepatitic and Alcoholic Cirrhosis by Computerized Morphometry

Abstract

To assess the degree of fibrosis and the structural changes affecting parenchymal and extraparenchymal components in liver cirrhosis, a computerized morphometric model has been applied to liver specimens from patients with posthepatitic and alcoholic cirrhosis. All specimens have been stained with chromotrope-aniline blue method and monoclonal antibodies against cytokeratin 7, CD31, and VIII factor. Volume fractions of parenchymal compartment and fibrosis have been determined stereologically on CAB slices; moreover, volume fractions of portal bile ducts and proliferated bile ductules, hepatocytes with biliary metaplasia, capillary units, and vascular structures have been measured. Volume fraction of fibrosis was higher in alcoholic cirrhosis when compared with the case of posthepatitic cirrhosis. Volume fractions describing parenchymal compartment showed a similar trend in both viral groups. The main differences were related to immunohistochemical stainings. Volume fraction of hepatocytes with biliary metaplasia was higher in hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis, whereas volume fractions of biliary structures were more prominent in hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis. Capillary units were more prominent in posthepatitic cirrhosis than in alcoholic cirrhosis. Interestingly, both forms of posthepatitic cirrhosis show similar features when compared with alcoholic cirrhosis. Our computerized morphometric model well describes and quantifies the morphological alterations of the liver, and it could represent an adjunctive tool to evaluate the degree of dysplastic phenomena involving parenchymal and extraparenchymal components.

Computerized morphometry of the cirrhotic liver: Comparative analysis in primary biliary cirrhosis, alcoholic cirrhosis, and posthepatitic cirrhosis

“…The morphometric model for liver characterization (Table 2) consisted of many stereological variables (Oberholzer and Rohr, 1983) and it has been described in detail elsewhere (Vizzotto et al, 1989(Vizzotto et al, , 2001(Vizzotto et al, , 2002.…”

Hepatitis B and liver transplantation: 2008 update

“…Hepatitis B underlying liver cirrhosis represents the final stage of progressive hepatic fibrosis characterised by distortion of the hepatic architecture and the formation of regenerative nodules surrounded by fibrous connective tissue that bridges between portal tracts ( Figure 1 and Figure 2) [5]. LT represents the only treatment option in patients with end stage liver disease which is characterized by decreased hepatic synthetic function (as reflected by low serum albumin and cholinesterase, and increased international normalised ratio (INR)), and/or serious complications such as variceal bleeding, ascites, hepatorenal syndrome or hepatic encephalopathy [6].…”

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt for Acute Variceal Bleeding in Patients with Viral Liver Cirrhosis: Predictors of Early Mortality

“…However, in Asian countries, hepatitis virus carriers are reported to be 5-20% of the population, and viral hepatitis is the main cause of liver cirrhosis [14,15]. Viral liver cirrhosis is different from alcoholic liver cirrhosis in many aspects such as histologic and morphologic changes, disease progression, treatment options, and incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [16][17][18]. Therefore, it is inappropriate to apply the Western data to patients with viral liver cirrhosis, especially in hepatitis virus-endemic areas.…”