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El-Araby HA, Saber MA, Radwan NM, Taie DM, Adawy NM, Sira AM. Temporal histopathological changes in biliary atresia: A perspective for rapid fibrosis progression. Ann Hepatol 2021; 21:100263. [PMID: 33007429 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Biliary atresia (BA) is characterized by rapid progression of fibrosis with no definite causes. Histopathological findings have been extensively described, but very few studies have assessed temporal changes in BA. Understanding these short-term changes and their relationship with fibrosis progression could have an impact on ameliorating rapid fibrogenesis. We aimed to study the relationship between temporal histopathological changes and fibrosis progression in BA within a short time interval. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-nine infants with BA who underwent Kasai portoenterostomy, a diagnostic liver biopsy, and an intraoperative liver biopsy were recruited. Histopathological characteristics of the two biopsies were examined. Temporal histopathological changes were assessed by comparing the two types of biopsies. Correlation of temporal changes in fibrosis with age, interval between biopsies, laboratory profiles, and temporal histopathological changes were studied. RESULTS In the univariate analysis, bile ductular proliferation (BDP), portal infiltrate, giant cells, hepatocellular swelling, and fibrosis showed significant temporal changes within a short interval (5-31 days). BDP and fibrosis showed the most frequent increase in their grades (32/49 and 31/49 cases, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, BDP was the only independent pathological feature showing a significant temporal increase (p = 0.021, 95% confidence interval: 1.249-16.017). Fibrosis progression was correlated with temporal changes in BDP (r = 0.456, p = 0.001), but not with age (p = 0.283) or the interval between the biopsies (p = 0.309). CONCLUSIONS Fibrosis in BA progresses rapidly and is significantly correlated with BDP. Assessment of targeting BDP as an adjuvant medical therapy is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanaa A El-Araby
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Nutrition, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, 32511 Shebin El-Koom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Magdy A Saber
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Nutrition, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, 32511 Shebin El-Koom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Noha M Radwan
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Nutrition, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, 32511 Shebin El-Koom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Doha M Taie
- Department of Pathology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, 32511 Shebin El-Koom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Nermin M Adawy
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Nutrition, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, 32511 Shebin El-Koom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Ahmad M Sira
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Nutrition, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, 32511 Shebin El-Koom, Menoufia, Egypt.
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Ultrastructural Profile Combined with Immunohistochemistry of a Hepatic Progenitor Cell Line in Pediatric Autoimmune Hepatitis: New Insights into the Morphological Pattern of the Disease. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081899. [PMID: 34440668 PMCID: PMC8392671 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering that the heterogenic population of a hepatic progenitor cell line (HPCL) can play a vital role in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), we decided to conduct pioneering retrospective evaluation of these cells in pediatric AIH by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The aim of the study was to assess the ultrastructure of the HPCL in children with untreated AIH. Ultrastructural analysis of the HPCL population, preceded by immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin 7 (CK7), was performed using pretreatment liver biopsies from 23 children with clinicopathologically diagnosed AIH. Immunohistochemical assessment for CK7 allowed detection of proliferating immature epithelial cells differentiating towards periportal and intralobular intermediate hepatocytes without marked formation of ductular reactions in AIH children. Using TEM, we distinguished three morphological types of HPCs: I—the most undifferentiated progenitor cells; III—intermediate hepatocyte-like cells; II—intermediate bile duct cells. Most frequent were the cells differentiating towards hepatocytes, most rare—those differentiating towards cholangiocytes. The results indicate that an HPCL may be an important source of hepatocyte regeneration. Ultrastructural analyses of the HPCL population, combined with immunohistochemistry for CK7, might be a useful tool to evaluate liver cell regeneration, including fibrogenesis, and may help better understand the morphological pattern of the disease, in pediatric AIH. Frequent appearance of an HPCL in the vicinity of fibrotic foci, often accompanied by hyperactive Kupffer cells and transitional hepatic stellate cells, may indicate their significant involvement in liver fibrogenesis.
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El-Araby HA, Saber MA, Radwan NM, Taie DM, Adawy NM, Sira AM. SOX9 in biliary atresia: New insight for fibrosis progression. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2021; 20:154-162. [PMID: 33349604 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a hallmark determinant of morbidity in biliary atresia (BA) even in successfully operated cases. Responsible factors for this rapid progression of fibrosis are not completely defined. Aberrant expression of the transcription factor SOX9 and hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) proliferation have roles in fibrogenesis in cholestatic disorders. However, they were not investigated sufficiently in BA. We aimed to delineate the relation of SOX9 and HPCs to fibrosis and its progression in BA. METHODS Forty-eight patients with BA who underwent an initial diagnostic liver biopsy (LB) and consequent intraoperative LB were recruited and compared to 28 cases with non-BA cholestasis that had an LB in their diagnostic workup. Liver fibrosis, tissue SOX9 and HPC expressions were studied in both BA and non-BA-cholestasis cases. Liver fibrosis, SOX9, and HPCs' dynamic changes in BA cases were assessed. Relation of fibrosis and its progression to SOX9 and HPCs in BA was assessed. RESULTS SOX9 and HPCs in ductular reaction (DR) form were expressed in 100% of BA and their grades increased significantly in the second biopsy. The rapidly progressive fibrosis in BA, represented by fibrosis grade of the intraoperative LB, correlated significantly to SOX9-DR and HPC-DR at the diagnostic (r = 0.420, P = 0.003 and r = 0.405, P = 0.004, respectively) and the intraoperative (r = 0.460, P = 0.001 and r = 0.467, P = 0.001, respectively) biopsy. On the other hand, fibrosis, SOX9-DR, and HPC-DR were significantly lower in non-BA cases at a comparable age (P < 0.001, P = 0.006, and P = 0.014, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Fibrosis in BA is rapidly progressive within a short time and is significantly correlated to SOX9 and HPCs. Assessment of targeting SOX9 and HPCs on fibrosis progression is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanaa Ahmed El-Araby
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Nutrition, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, 32511 Shebin El-koom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Magdy Anwar Saber
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Nutrition, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, 32511 Shebin El-koom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Noha Mohamed Radwan
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Nutrition, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, 32511 Shebin El-koom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Doha Maher Taie
- Department of Pathology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, 32511 Shebin El-koom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Nermin Mohamed Adawy
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Nutrition, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, 32511 Shebin El-koom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Ahmad Mohamed Sira
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Nutrition, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, 32511 Shebin El-koom, Menoufia, Egypt.
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Predictors of azathioprine toxicity in children with autoimmune hepatitis. Clin Exp Hepatol 2021; 7:47-54. [PMID: 34027115 PMCID: PMC8122100 DOI: 10.5114/ceh.2021.104634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim of the study Azathioprine (AZA) is an important steroid-sparing drug in the management of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Avoidance of its adverse events that could be severe and carry a risk of mortality in a few cases is important, preferably with cheap and easy assessments that could be feasible in developing countries with the unavailability of molecular assays. Assessment of thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT), the key enzyme for the inactivation of AZA, as a predictor of AZA toxicity had been a matter of conflict. This work aimed to study the role of TPMT serum level assessment and other host-, disease-, and treatment-related factors in predicting AZA toxicity. Material and methods Sixty-six children with AIH, divided into two groups, were recruited. Group 1 included twelve children with AZA toxicity and group 2 included fifty-four children without AZA toxicities. Both groups were compared for demographic, clinical, laboratory, histopathological, and treatment-related factors, and serum TPMT level, measured by ELISA. Results TPMT serum level was comparable in both groups (p = 0.363). Duration of treatment until enzyme normalization and duration of AZA therapy were significantly associated with AZA toxicity (p = 0.007 and p = 0.01, respectively). At the first follow-up treatment with AZA, total leucocyte count (TLC) and neutrophil counts were significantly lower in group 1 (p = 0.005 and p = 0.002, respectively). Moreover, the percentage reduction of TLC and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in group 1 (p < 0.001, for both). Conclusions Monitoring for AZA adverse events in those with the defined predictors of AZA-related adverse events is more important than TPMT assessment.
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Generic sofosbuvir/ledipasvir for the treatment of genotype 4 chronic hepatitis C in Egyptian children (9–12 years) and adolescents. Hepatol Int 2019; 13:706-714. [DOI: 10.1007/s12072-019-09985-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Ko S, Russell JO, Molina LM, Monga SP. Liver Progenitors and Adult Cell Plasticity in Hepatic Injury and Repair: Knowns and Unknowns. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2019; 15:23-50. [PMID: 31399003 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-012419-032824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The liver is a complex organ performing numerous vital physiological functions. For that reason, it possesses immense regenerative potential. The capacity for repair is largely attributable to the ability of its differentiated epithelial cells, hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells, to proliferate after injury. However, in cases of extreme acute injury or prolonged chronic insult, the liver may fail to regenerate or do so suboptimally. This often results in life-threatening end-stage liver disease for which liver transplantation is the only effective treatment. In many forms of liver injury, bipotent liver progenitor cells are theorized to be activated as an additional tier of liver repair. However, the existence, origin, fate, activation, and contribution to regeneration of liver progenitor cells is hotly debated, especially since hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells themselves may serve as facultative stem cells for one another during severe liver injury. Here, we discuss the evidence both supporting and refuting the existence of liver progenitor cells in a variety of experimental models. We also debate the validity of developing therapies harnessing the capabilities of these cells as potential treatments for patients with severe and chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjin Ko
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA; .,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
| | - Jacquelyn O Russell
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA; .,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
| | - Laura M Molina
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA; .,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA; .,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
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Helal TEA, Radwan NA, Mahmoud HA, Zaki AME, Ahmed NS, Wahib AAA, Aref AM. The role of hepatic progenitor cells in predicting response to therapy in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C, genotype 4. Afr Health Sci 2019; 19:1411-1421. [PMID: 31148968 PMCID: PMC6531979 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v19i1.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interferon therapy is used as a line of treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in several areas of the world including Egypt. Objective Our aim was to investigate the value of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) in predicting response of patients with chronic HCV, genotype 4 to pegylated interferon (PEGIFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) therapy. Methods Pre-treatment liver biopsies obtained from 110 patients with chronic HCV, genotype 4 were examined immunohistochemically for HPCs using cytokeratin19. The mean number of HPCs as ductular reaction (DR) and as isolated progenitor cells (IPCs) was counted in each case. The patients were classified into: those with sustained virological response (SVR) and those who did not achieve SVR. The results were compared between the two groups. Also, the relationships between HPCs and other clinico-pathologic variables were estimated using multivariate analysis. Results The mean number of HPCs was the only independent predictor of therapeutic response, being significantly higher in non-responders (P = 0 for DR and P = 0.03 for IPCs). On the other hand, fibrosis stage and steatosis were the only independent factors which showed a significant direct association with the mean number of HPCs in the form of DR and IPCs (P = 0 for each). Conclusion The number of HPCs provides prognostic information in chronic HCV since it is significantly associated with stage of fibrosis. More importantly, it can be used as a marker to predict response of patients with chronic HCV to PEGIFN plus RBV therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanaa El A Helal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Ramses Street- New Faculty Bldg. -5th floor, P.O. # 11566 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nehal A Radwan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Ramses Street- New Faculty Bldg. -5th floor, P.O. # 11566 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heba A Mahmoud
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Ramses Street- New Faculty Bldg. -5th floor, P.O. # 11566 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed ME Zaki
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Ramses Street- New Faculty Bldg. -5th floor, P.O. # 11566 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Naglaa S Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Ramses Street- New Faculty Bldg. -5th floor, P.O. # 11566 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ali AA Wahib
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Aref
- Faculty of Biotechnology, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA) Giza, Egypt
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Nielsen J, Christensen VB, Borgwardt L, Rasmussen A, Østrup O, Kjær MS. Prognostic molecular markers in pediatric liver disease – Are there any? Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:577-586. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Helal TESA, Ehsan NA, Radwan NA, Abdelsameea E. Relationship between hepatic progenitor cells and stellate cells in chronic hepatitis C genotype 4. APMIS 2017; 126:14-20. [PMID: 29155473 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represents a major health problem in many areas of the world, especially Egypt. Hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have been implicated in fibrosis progression in chronic HCV. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of HPCs and HSCs in chronic HCV infection and the relationship between both cell types. This retrospective study was conducted on 100 chronic HCV patients. Immunohistochemistry was performed on liver tissue sections for cytokeratin 19 (progenitor cell markers), smooth muscle actin (stellate cell markers), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß). The necroinflammatory activity was significantly related to the number of isolated HPCs and TGF-ß expression (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001 respectively). Advanced stages of fibrosis showed significantly increase number of HPCs (p = 0.001), higher ratio of HSCs (p = 0.004), more expression of TGF-ß (p = 0.001) and MMP-9 (p = 0.001). There was a significant direct correlation between immunoexpression of HPCs and HSCs for isolated cells (r = 0.569, p = 0.001) and ductular reaction (r = 0.519, p = 0.001). Hepatic progenitor cells and stellate cells play a significant role in the development and progression of fibrosis in chronic HCV. More interestingly, the significant direct correlation between HPCs and HSCs suggests a synergistic interrelation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nermine Ahmed Ehsan
- Department of Pathology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Nehal Ahmed Radwan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman Abdelsameea
- Department of Hepatology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
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Minuk GY, Baruch Y. Hepatitis B viral infection of hepatic progenitor cells. Resolving unresolved questions? Med Hypotheses 2016; 91:24-27. [PMID: 27142136 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2016.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Accumulated data to date do not entirely explain the; propensity of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) to cause chronic infections in newborns; failure of antiviral agents to resolve infections or precise mechanism whereby HBV causes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Based on the increased numbers of hepatic stem/progenitor cells (HPCs) present within the neonatal liver, the refractoriness of these cells to the effects of interferons and xenobiotics and their ability to undergo malignant transformation, we hypothesize that HBV infection of HPCs could explain these and perhaps other clinical features of chronic HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Y Minuk
- Section of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
| | - Y Baruch
- Liver Unit, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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