Quantitative morphology of mitochondria in hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic liver disease.
A morphometric method was applied to measure the size, number, and surface membranes of the mitochondria in cells obtained from hepatitis B-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), from cirrhotic portions of livers with and without HCC, and from alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The mitochondria in HCC cells showed a significantly higher numerical density and surface density of internal membranes and cristae than mitochondria in cirrhosis and ALD. The findings suggest an increased functional activity of mitochondria in HCC.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000473:pathology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000473:pathology*; D008108:Liver Diseases, Alcoholic / Q000473:pathology*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008930:Mitochondria, Liver / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure