Differential findings for CD14-positive hepatic monocytes/macrophages in primary biliary cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis C and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Leicester, K.L., Olynyk, J.K., Brunt, E.M., Britton, R.S. and Bacon, B.R. (2006) Differential findings for CD14-positive hepatic monocytes/macrophages in primary biliary cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis C and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Liver International, 26 (5). pp. 559-565.

Abstract

Background and aims: Endotoxin-responsive monocytes/macrophages (CD14-positive) are potential sources of profibrogenic factors. The aims of this study were to determine (1) whether hepatic CD14-positive cells are present in various forms of chronic liver disease, and (2) the relationship between CD14-positive cells, myofibroblasts, and fibrosis in these diseases.

Methods: Liver specimens from control subjects (n=12) and those with primary biliary cirrhosis (n=18), chronic hepatitis C (n=13), or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (n=13) were immunostained for CD14, CD68, and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and the number of cells expressing these antigens was determined. Fibrosis and inflammation were also assessed.

Results: The total number of hepatic CD68-positive cells was similar in diseased and control livers. The number of CD14-positive cells was increased in advanced fibrosis in primary biliary cirrhosis and hepatitis C but not in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The number of CD14-positive cells was also increased in hepatitis C specimens with high inflammatory activity. CD14-positive cells were often associated with α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts in fibrous septa.

Conclusions: The number of hepatic CD14-positive cells is increased in advanced fibrosis in subjects with primary biliary cirrhosis and hepatitis C but not in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. In primary biliary cirrhosis and hepatitis C, CD14-positive macrophages are found in close proximity to fibrous septa and myofibroblasts. In hepatitis C, an increased number of CD14-positive cells are associated with high inflammatory activity.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publisher:	Wiley-Blackwell
Copyright:	2006 The Author
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/18491

Item Control Page