Browsing by Author "Stojsic, Zorica M. (22942162500)"

Background. There is positive correlation between the number of activated hepatic stellate cells and necroinflammatory activity and/or the stage of liver fi brosis in viral hepatitis. No study has investigated such a relationship with regard to the activated hepatic cells within specifi ed zones of liver tissue in chronic C hepatitis. The aim of the present study was to correlate the level of activated hepatic stellate cells within perivenular, intermediate, periportal, and portal tracts area and fi brous septa with stages of liver fi brosis and necroinfl ammatory activity in patients with chronic C hepatitis. Methods. This retrospective study included 20 liver biopsy samples from patients with chronic C hepatitis and 10 normal liver biopsies. Biopsy specimens were processed routinely and stained with haematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, Masson's trichrome, aldechide fuchsin, reticulin and iron (Pearls). Activated hepatic stellate cells were identifi ed immunohistochemically using antibody to α-smooth muscle actin. Assesment of immunoreactivity was performed using a semiquantitative method. Results. In chronic C hepatitis, a positive correlation between the stage of fi brosis and the number of activated hepatic stellate cells within portal spaces and fi brous septa was found. These cells were increased in number in other areas of liver tissue as well, but without statistical signifi cance. There was no correlation between either the stage of fi brosis and necroinfl ammatory activity or the number of activated hepatic stellate cells and necroinfl ammatory activity. Conclusion. An increased number of activated hepatic stellate cells within portal spaces and fi brous septa may be a useful prognostic marker for the development of advanced fi brosis and cirrhosis in chronic C hepatitis.

Background & Aims. The existence, histology and origin of gastric cardiac mucosa are controversial. The aim of the present study was to determine the existence, histological characteristics and length of cardiac mucosa and to correlate these features with the patients' age and the presence of inflammation in the gastric cardia and/or esophagus. Methods. The cardiac mucosa within the whole esophagogastric junction was histologically analyzed in 38 consecutive autopsy specimens and measured in 24 cases. Results. The cardiac mucosa was identified in all specimens from all cases, with a mean length of 6.7 mm, range 0.927- 19.5 mm. In the majority of cases, the length of cardiac mucosa was less than 10 mm (87.5%) and greater than 5 mm (71%). Cardiac mucosa was composed of a combination of pure mucous glands and mucous glands with parietal cells in 74% of cases, and only of mucous glands with parietal cells in 26% of cases. Carditis was recorded in 23.7% cases and reflux esophagitis in 15.8%. The length of cardiac mucosa was not significantly different between cases with and without carditis (p>0.05), between those with and without esophagitis (p>0.05), and between age groups older and younger than 60 years (p>0.05). Conclusion. In the adult population, a short histological segment of gastric cardia was consistently present as a normal histological structure. The type, length and circumferential presence of cardiac mucosa were not significantly associated with carditis, esophagitis or age.