Histopathology and ultrastructure of the liver under combined action of narcotics and hepatitis C and B viruses

Abstract

Liver autopsy material from opioid addicts with viral hepatitis C and C+B showed hepatocyte dystrophy associated with lipid infiltration, hyperplasia of lymphoid tissue, and perivascular fibrosis. Alteration of hepatocytes were most pronounced in patients with hepatitis C+B. Ultrastructure of hepatocytes is characterized by a reduction of protein synthesizing compartment, an increase in volume density of smooth cytoplasmic reticulum, appearance of megamitochondria, and pronounced collagenization of the Disse space. Key Words: viral hepatitis; opium addiction; liver autopsy; hepatocytes; light and electron microscopyInfection with hepatitis C and B can now be transferred via medical instruments, thus adding to natural ways of infection. Spreading of the infections in intravenous drug addicts plays a special role, since it significantly promotes virus passage and aggravates infectious process by inducing structural rearrangements in the liver. Numerous experimental and clinical studies analyze the effects of narcotics alone [1,9,11,12] or in combination with hepatitis [13-15] on animal and human liver. However, there are only few reports on combined action of opium and hepatitis viruses [10].Previously, we reported structural reactions of the liver induced by chronic hepatitis C and C+B [4,5]. Here we present the results of examination of liver autopsy material from intravenous opium addicts suffering from chronic hepatitis C and C+B. MATERIALS AND METHODSThe diagnosis was based on clinical, biochemical, and immunoserologic data. The following antigens and antibodies were revealed: HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBcIgM, anti-HBs, anti-HBe, total anti-HCV, antibodies to core-and NS-antigens of hepatitis C virus. All serum samples were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for the presence of HVC RNA. Hepatitis C and C+B were verified in 16 and 13 patients, respectively.Liver samples (n=36) were obtained from 29 patients by transcutaneous puncture biopsy. Paraffin, semithin, and ultrathin sections were examined. For light microscopy the samples were fixed in 10% neutral formaldehyde and stained routinely [7].For electron microscopy the samples were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and treated as described previously [3]. Semithin sections were stained with azure II and Schiff reagent. Ultrathin sections were con-0007 -4888/99/0009-0963522.00 9Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers

Contribution of ovarian follicular tissue abnormalities into the development of ovarian dysfunction

“…For evaluation of the intensity of biosynthetic reactions in ovarian cell populations, in vitro radioautography was carried out (the samples were incubated with radioactive RNA and DNA precursors) [5]. The label density and index were evaluated in cells under a Leica DM4000B universal microscope.…”

Ultrastructural and Stereological Study of the Liver in Chronic Mixed HCV + HBV Infection

“…Study of mixed HCV+HBV infection is a serious problem because of a variable and more severe clinical picture in comparison with HCV monoinfection and the presence of seronegative variants of HBV infection [1,[3][4][5][6]11]. One of important problems of hepatology is cirrhosis of the liver, and mixed HCV+HBV infection is regarded as one of the most signifi cant factors triggering the development of fi brosis and cirrhosis of the liver [12,14].…”