[Transitional CK19 positive cells-a new possible marker of hepatic precancerous lesion].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between Transitional CK19 positive cells and hepatic precancerous lesion in chronic hepatitis B patients.


METHODS
We observed the expression of CK19 in liver tissue of chronic hepatitis B patients by LSAB immunohistochemical staining, and examined serum AFP and ultrasonography one time per 3 months for one year.


RESULTS
We observed a population of CK19 positive cells-with size and structure between those of human oval cells and mature hepatocytes-that usually occurred along with oval-cell proliferation. It was suggested that these transitional cells may partly account for the elevation of serum AFP. One patient occurred hepatic carcinoma, another patient had low-echogenic nodules in liver parenchyma within the 1 year follow-up period.


CONCLUSIONS
Transitional CK19 positive cells could be regarded as a new possible pathological marker of hepatic precancerous lesion.
Chen
Yu
Y
Beijing You'an Hospital, Beijing 100050, China.
Duan
Zhong-ping
ZP
Wang
Bao-en
BE
Jia
Ji-dong
JD
Chen
Guang-yong
GY
Li
Yi-mei
YM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007633:Keratins / Q000032:analysis*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins; D007633:Keratins