Perinodular ductular reaction/epithelial cell adhesion molecule loss in small hepatic nodules.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

To investigate if loss of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is associated with microinvasion in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) in the presence of chronic hepatitis B.

Methods

The expression of EpCAM, cytokeratin 7 (CK7) and CK19 in 112 hepatic nodules was studied, including 20 HCCs with nodules ≤ 3 cm, 26 HCCs with nodules > 3 cm, 20 high-grade dysplastic nodules, 26 cirrhotic, large regenerative nodules and 20 cases of cirrhosis.

Results

Membranes of ductular reaction (DR) hepatobiliary cells, interlobular bile duct and some hepatic cells were positive for EpCAM expression. Active expression of DR/EpCAM was observed in the majority of noninvasive nodules (50/66, 75.76%); however, expression was absent in the major area of invasion in HCCs (42/46, 91.30%

SUBMITTER: Zhang Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4138470 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature