Lack of association of hepatic estrogen receptor-alpha expression with histopathological and biochemical findings in chronic hepatitis C

Erkan G., Yilmaz G., TAPLAMACIOĞLU M. C., Konca Degertekin C., AKYOL G., Ozenirler S.

Pathology Research and Practice, cilt.209, sa.11, ss.727-730, 2013 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 209 Sayı: 11
  • Basım Tarihi: 2013
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.prp.2013.08.006
  • Dergi Adı: Pathology Research and Practice
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.727-730
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Chronic hepatitis C, Estrogen receptor-alpha
  • İstanbul Medipol Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır

Özet

Estrogens exert a protective effect against hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Loss of estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α) in the liver is associated with hepatic steatosis and inflammation in animal models. We conducted a study in order to investigate the presence and extent of ER-α expression in HCV infection, and its relationship with histological and biochemical findings. Ninety biopsy-proven chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients were enrolled in the study. Liver biopsy specimens were immunohistochemically stained for ER-α expression. Nuclear ER-α expression percentage was calculated. ER-α was positive in 69 of the patients (76%). ER-α positive and negative groups were not significantly different in terms of age, gender, necroinflammatory activity, fibrosis, steatosis, serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, and bilirubin. ER-α expression percentage was not correlated with fibrosis, steatosis, necroinflammatory activity and biochemical findings. Although estrogens are known to be protective against fibrosis and steatosis in animal models, we did not find any significant correlation between ER-α expression and histopathological and biochemical findings in CHC patients. These findings should be verified in further large scale studies. © 2013 Elsevier GmbH.