α-SMA as a Mesenchymal marker in Chronic Hepatitis C Infection.

Abstract

Background: Liver biopsy so far, is the mainstay of diagnosing hepatic fibrosis. Activated HSCs express certain mesenchymal markers, of which Smooth Muscle Actin is a well-known marker. This study aims to appreciate expression of Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin in hepatic stellate cells of CHC cases and to find out the frequency of α-SMA positive HSCs in perisinusoidal, periportal and pericentral regions of liver. Methods: Liver biopsies of sixty Chronic Hepatitis C cases were immmunostained using anti α-SMA antibody. To assess immunoexpression, semi quantitative scoring was done in three areas in each sample; pericentral, periportal and perisinusoidal area. Results: Immunoexpression of α-SMA was observed in all area with strongest staining on HSCs of perisinusoidal area. Conclusion: α-SMA can represent a useful marker for early hepatic stellate cells activation in our population and can help target patients requiring aggressive therapy. KEY WORDS: α-SMA, CHC, liver fibrosis, Hepatic Stellate Cells.