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World J Gastroenterol. Jan 28, 2008; 14(4): 607-611
Published online Jan 28, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.607
Expression of SOCS-1 in the liver tissues of chronic hepatitis B and its clinical significance
Zhi-Xin Zhao, Qing-Xian Cai, Xiao-Mou Peng, Yu-Tian Chong, Zhi-Liang Gao
Zhi-Xin Zhao, Qing-Xian Cai, Xiao-Mou Peng, Yu-Tian Chong, Zhi-Liang Gao, Department of Infectious Diseases of The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong Province, China
Correspondence to: Qing-Xian Cai, The Department of Infectious Diseases of The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong Province, China. cqx200000@yahoo.com.cn
Telephone: +86-13760857996
Received: October 8, 2007
Revised: November 6, 2007
Published online: January 28, 2008
Abstract

AIM: To study the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1) in the liver tissues of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and the clinical significance of this expression.

METHODS: The expression of SOCS-1 in liver tissues of 45 cases of CHB was investigated by immunohistochemical staining, and its correlations with inflammation grades and fibrosis stage were analyzed by SPSS statistics software.

RESULTS: The result showed SOCS-1 expressing could be observed in the liver tissue of CHB. The expression of SOCS-1 was mainly distributed near the portal area in the liver tissue of mild inflammation CHB group, and was diffusely distributed in the liver tissue of moderate and severe inflammation groups. SOCS-1 positive stains mainly appear in the hepatocytes, only a few of liver interstitial cells were involved. Inside the hepatocyte, SOCS-1 positive stains are mainly distributed in the plasma. Some of the staining was observed on the membrane. The inclusion bodies in the plasma of hepatocytes were observed occasionally. There were both obvious correlations between the expression of SOCS-1 and the inflammatory grade, and that between the expression of SOCS-1 and the fibrosis stage.

CONCLUSION: The distribution of SOCS-1 in the liver tissue of CHB is variable. This expression was correlated with the inflammation grade and fibrosis stage.

Keywords: Suppressor of cytokine signaling-1; Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription; Chronic hepatitis B; Inflammation; Fibrosis