Different in situ expression of insulin-like growth factor type II in hepatocellular carcinoma. An in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical study.
Reexpression of the insulin-like growth factor type II (IGF-II) gene has recently been described in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we used a nonisotopic in situ hybridization method to analyze the expression of IGF-II mRNA in a series of 28 HCCs arising on cirrhotic and noncirrhotic livers. An immunohistochemical method was used to detect IGF-II peptide. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) status and the histological differentiation degree were also evaluated. Increased expression of IGF-II mRNA was found in 4 of 28 HCCs, and 7 of 17 cirrhotic patients showed IGF-II mRNA in the cirrhotic nodules surrounding the HCC. A slightly higher rate of positivity for IGF-II mRNA was found in the HBV-negative patients than in HBV-positive ones. Positive immunostaining for the IGF-II peptide in the HCC and/or in surrounding cirrhotic nodules was found in 10 of 28 cases. The normal hepatocytes of the noncirrhotic patients were always negative for IGF-II peptide and mRNA. The similarities between our results and those from experimental models in woodchucks seem to support the concept that heterogeneous phenotypic groups could exist in human HCCs.
Fiorentino
M
M
Department of Pathology, Bologna University, Italy.
Grigioni
W F
WF
Baccarini
P
P
D'Errico
A
A
De Mitri
M S
MS
Pisi
E
E
Mancini
A M
AM
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*
D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II