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Central Vein Fibrosis in Cadaveric Livers of the Elderly
Author(s) -
Mak Ki M.,
Hoo Nancy M.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.870.2
Subject(s) - fibrosis , cirrhosis , medicine , pathology , sirius red , hepatic fibrosis , hepatic stellate cell , gastroenterology
Liver fibrosis develops in stages with central vein fibrosis (CVF), perisinusoidal fibrosis (PSF) and portal tract fibrosis (PTF) occurring at early, septal fibrosis at late and cirrhosis at end stage. These lesions were seen in the liver of elderly cadavers with diverse causes of death (Mak et al. FASEB J 2010; 24: 446.11). This study examined 50 cadavers (mean age = 81.3±12.5 yrs) for CVF to evaluate its role in liver fibrosis. Paraffin sections were stained for collagens with Sirius red, a marker for fibrosis. 250 central veins were analyzed by morphometry. The mean vein diameter was 71.1±18.2 μm. CVF was considered present when the thickness of collagens in the rim of the vein exceeded 9 μm with extension of fibrous tissue into the perivenous parenchyma. CVF occurred in 25 livers (50%). Of these, 23 (92%) also had PSF, 12 (48%) PTF, 10 (40%) septa formation, 10 (40%) bridging fibrosis and 1 (4%) cirrhosis. Livers without CVF had a lower incidence of PSF (40%, P = .0002), PTF (28%), septa formation (36%) and bridging fibrosis (20%). Conclusion/implication Histogenesis of CVF is associated with PSF in early fibrogenesis. The fibrosis interferes with intrahepatic blood flow, which stimulates advanced fibrogenesis and subsequent portal hypertension. These changes impair hepatic functions and enhance disease susceptibility in older people. Thus fibrosis in the aging liver may have a detrimental health effect in the elderly.