Antigenic markers of hepatocellular carcinoma.
One hundred thirty-five hepatocellular carcinomas were examined for the presence of antigenic tumor markers by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method. Ninety-seven were from the US and 38 came from Argentina. The following markers were tested: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg), hepatitis D delta antigen (HD delta Ag), and Mallory's bodies (MB). In the US cases, AFP was present in 43%, AAT in 41%, HBsAg in 17%, and MB in 48%. Both HBcAg and HD delta Ag were absent. In the cases from Argentina, AFP was found in 26% and AAT in 18%. None of the other antigens were seen. Thirteen US tumors expressed three antigens and two four antigens simultaneously. This study reveals in humans a heterogenous expression of antigens by neoplastic hepatocytes with geographic differences, possibly due to multiple factors such as alcohol consumption or prevalence of hepatitis B infection.
Department of Pathology, University of Health Sciences, Chicago Medical School, IL 60064.
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A
Chedid
G
G
Chejfec
M
M
Eichorst
F
F
Villamil
R
R
Terg
M
M
Telenta
R
R
Hojman
D000941:Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000276:immunology*; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000032:analysis; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis
D000941:Antigens; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins