Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) modifications in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

ABSTRACT: The sinusoidal endothelial cells present in the liver (LSECs) are tipically characterized by the presence of pores (fenestrae). During some pathological conditions LSECs undergo "capillarization", a process characterized by loss of fenestrations and acquisition of a vascular phenotype. In chronic liver disease capillarization has been reported to precede the development of fibrosis. LSECs modification in the setting of HCV infection is currently poorly investigated. Considering that HCV accounts for important changes in hepatocytes and in view of the intimate connection between hepatocytes and LSECs, here we set out to study in great detail the LSECs modifications in individuals with HCV-dependent chronic hepatitis. Electron microscopy analysis, and evaluation of CD32, CD31 and caveolin-1

SUBMITTER: Baiocchini A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6584733 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature