Effects of nanoscale electric fields on the histology of liver cell dysplasia

Cells electrical fields have a significant role in cell function.

AIM

The current study examined the effects of nanoscale electric fields generated by magneto-electric nanoparticles (MENs) on precancerous liver tissue.

METHODS & RESULTS

A total of 30 nm MENs synthesized by sol-gel method were tested in vitro on HepG2 cells and in vivo on liver cell dysplasia in mice, which were exposed to 50 Hz 2 mT for 2 weeks, +/- MENs. MENs with alternating field (AF) reversed liver cells dysplastic features. In vitro cytotoxicity assay showed high lethal dose (LD 50) of 1.4 mg/ml. We also report on the expression of alpha-fetoprotein and cytochrome C.

CONCLUSION

MEN-generated nanoscale electric fields have significant biological effects on precancerous liver cells.

Chromosomal abnormalities in liver cell dysplasia detected by comparative genomic hybridisation

BACKGROUND/AIM

The pathogenetic relation between liver cell dysplasia and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a genetic link between liver cell dysplasia and HCC that could support the role of dysplasia as a tumour precursor lesion.

METHODS

Microdissection from paraffin wax embedded sections and degenerate oligonucleotide primed polymerase chain reaction (DOP-PCR) were combined to analyse chromosomal imbalances by comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) in nine HCCs and nodules containing liver cell dysplasia and cirrhosis adjacent to the tumours. Seven cases of large cell changes (LCC) and three cases of small cell changes (SCC) were analysed. The genetic abnormalities detected in liver cell dysplasia were then compared with those present in the corresponding HCC.

RESULTS

No abnormalities were detected in LCC and cirrhotic nodules, arguing against the preneoplasic nature of these cell foci. In contrast, a subset of chromosomal alterations present in HCCs was found in the adjacent SCC.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the preneoplastic status of SCC in human hepatocarcinogenesis.