Experimental Papers
Copyright ©The Author(s) 1995. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Oct 1, 1995; 1(1): 18-20
Published online Oct 1, 1995. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v1.i1.18
Biological effects of types I and III collagens in human hepatocellular carcinoma tissue
Yao-Jun Wang, Zi-Qin Sun, Jun-Ji Yu, Xing-Zhao Xu, Xia Zhang, Qi-Zhen Quan
Yao-Jun Wang, Zi-Qin Sun, Jun-Ji Yu, Xing-Zhao Xu, Xia Zhang, Qi-Zhen Quan, Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Chinese PLA, Jinan Command area 250031, Shandong Province, China
Yao-Jun Wang, Physician in charge, Master of Medicine, having 26 papers published Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Chinese PLA Jinan Command area 25 Shifan Road, Jinan 250031, Shandong Province, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Dr. Yao-Jun Wang, Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Chinese PLA, Jinan Command area 250031, Shandong Province, China
Received: March 12, 1995
Revised: May 20, 1995
Accepted: July 20, 1995
Published online: October 1, 1995
Abstract

AIM: To explore the biological effects of type I and III collagens in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the relationship between the collagens and tumor behavior.

METHODS: The distribution of types I and III collagens was determined by immunohistochemistry in 25 specimens of human HCC and surrounding liver tissue, as well as six normal liver specimens. In addition, the expression of types I and III collagens were studied by in situ hybridization in nine HCC and two normal liver specimens. Collagen content in the tissues was calculated according to the theory of sterology.

RESULTS: The content of types I and III collagens was significantly lower in HCC than in the surrounding liver tissue. In addition, the collagen content was significantly lower in invasive/metastatic HCC tissue than in non-invasive/metastatic HCC tissue. However, collagen gene expression and protein synthesis were increased in HCC tissue.

CONCLUSION: The decrease in collagen content in HCC tissue likely resulted from collagen degradation. Collagens may be inhibitors of tumor invasion and metastasis.

Keywords: Liver neoplasms; Immunohistochemistry; Collagen; Sterology; In situ hybridization