Premium
Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition‐related protein expression in biliary epithelial cells associated with hepatolithiasis
Author(s) -
Sung Rohyun,
Lee Sang Hwa,
Ji Meiying,
Han JoungHo,
Kang Min Ho,
Kim Ji Hoon,
Choi JaeWoon,
Kim Young Chul,
Park Seon Mee
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.214
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1440-1746
pISSN - 0815-9319
DOI - 10.1111/jgh.12349
Subject(s) - hepatolithiasis , cytokeratin , epithelial–mesenchymal transition , vimentin , pathology , medicine , immunohistochemistry , podoplanin , cholangiocyte , intrahepatic bile ducts , fibrosis , cirrhosis , bile duct , hepatic fibrosis , cancer research , hepatectomy , cancer , metastasis , surgery , resection
Background and Aim Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition ( EMT ) of biliary epithelial cells ( BECs ) plays major roles in many cholangiopathies. This study evaluated whether EMT of BECs has a role in hepatolithiasis‐induced biliary fibrosis and types of BECs that are involved. Methods The expression of EMT ‐related proteins and epidermal growth factor receptor was evaluated by immunohistochemistry of liver tissues from 102 patients with hepatolithiasis, 32 patients with post‐hepatitis cirrhosis, and 48 normal livers. Antibodies against E ‐cadherin, β‐catenin, and cytokeratin were used to identify epithelial cells and antibodies against vimentin, S 100 A 4, podoplanin, and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐ SMA ) were used to identify mesenchymal cells. The relationship between clinical and histological parameters and immunohistochemistry findings in BECs , and the surrounding stroma were evaluated. Results Loss of E ‐cadherin and acquisition of S 100 A 4 and vimentin were observed in BECs . In all BECs , cytokeratin and β‐catenin expression were unchanged, while podoplanin and α‐ SMA were not expressed. Although hepatic fibrosis was more severe in post‐hepatitis cirrhosis, EMT of BECs was more widespread in hepatolithiasis. In hepatolithiasis, EMT ‐related proteins were more highly expressed in small bile ducts than in medium or large bile ducts. Their expression was associated with the severity of biliary fibrosis and the expressions of epidermal growth factor receptor. Expression of α‐ SMA in fibroblasts from the portal space was closely linked to pathological changes in small bile ducts and EMT ‐related protein expressions in BECs . Conclusions Proliferating cholangiocytes that form small bile ducts may contribute to cholangiopathies in hepatolithiasis through an EMT ‐like phenomenon or through interactions with stromal myofibroblasts.