Pathogenesis of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B

• Published in: Zhonghua gan zang bing za zhi Vol. 17; no. 6; p. 443
• Main Authors: Shi, Jun, Hao, Jing-hua, Ren, Wan-hua, Zhu, Ju-ren, Wang, Shu-yun, Xie, Ying-bo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Chinese
• Published: China 01.06.2009
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Biopsy, Needle; Endothelial Cells - pathology; Endothelial Cells - ultrastructure; Female; Hepatic Stellate Cells - pathology; Hepatic Stellate Cells - ultrastructure; Hepatitis B, Chronic - complications; Hepatitis B, Chronic - pathology; Humans; Liver - blood supply; Liver - pathology; Liver - ultrastructure; Liver Circulation; Liver Cirrhosis - etiology; Liver Cirrhosis - pathology; Male; Microcirculation; Microscopy, Electron; Middle Aged; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1007-3418

To explore the role of sinusoidal endothelial cell in the development of liver fibrosis, and to dissect the relationship among hepatic microcirculation disorders, hepatic sinusoidal capilarization and liver fibrosis. Liver biopsy was performed in fifty-six patients with chronic hepatitis B. The liver tissues were observed under light microscope and transmitted electronic microscope. Of 56 cases, 39 cases were mild hepatitis, 10 were moderate hepatitis, and 7 were severe hepatitis. The morphology of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was similar to that of fibroblasts in the tissues of the patients with chronic hepatitis B. Collagenous fibers were deposited around the hepatic stellate cells. Electron-dense materials were deposited between sinusoidal endothelial cell and hepatic stellate cell. The size and amount of fenestraes of sinusoidal endothelial cells were reduced in 53 of 56 cases. The consecutive or inconsecutive membrane-like materials were observed along sinusoidal endothelial cells in 20 cases. Collagen