Differential findings for CD14-positive hepatic monocytes/macrophages in primary biliary cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis C and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Katherine L. Leicester, John K. Olynyk, Elizabeth M. Brunt, Robert S. Britton, Bruce R. Bacon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background and aims: Endotoxin-responsive monocytes/macrophages (CD14-positive) are potential sources of profibrogenic factors. The aims of this study were to determine (1) whether hepatic CD14-positive cells are present in various forms of chronic liver disease, and (2) the relationship between CD14-positive cells, myofibroblasts, and fibrosis in these diseases. Methods: Liver specimens from control subjects (n = 12) and those with primary biliary cirrhosis (n = 18), chronic hepatitis C (n = 13), or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (n = 13) were immunostained for CD14, CD68, and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and the number of cells expressing these antigens was determined. Fibrosis and inflammation were also assessed. Results: The total number of hepatic CD68-positive cells was similar in diseased and control livers. The number of CD14-positive cells was increased in advanced fibrosis in primary biliary cirrhosis and hepatitis C but not in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The number of CD14-positive cells was also increased in hepatitis C specimens with high inflammatory activity. CD14-positive cells were often associated with α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts in fibrous septa. Conclusions: The number of hepatic CD14-positive cells is increased in advanced fibrosis in subjects with primary biliary cirrhosis and hepatitis C but not in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. In primary biliary cirrhosis and hepatitis C, CD14-positive macrophages are found in close proximity to fibrous septa and myofibroblasts. In hepatitis C, an increased number of CD14-positive cells are associated with high inflammatory activity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)559-565
Number of pages7
JournalLiver International
Volume26
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2006

Keywords

  • CD14
  • CD68
  • HepatitisC
  • Myofibroblast
  • Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
  • Primary biliary cirrhosis

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