Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) as a mesenchymal marker of early hepatic stellate cells activation in liver fibrosisin Chronic Hepatitis C infection

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to determine expression of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein and of Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA) in hepatic stellate cells of CHC cases and their association with stage of fibrosis.

Methods: The study was conducted at Ziauddin University, Clifton Campus during the year 2010-2012. Sixty Chronic Hepatitis C cases were immmunostained using anti α-SMA antibody and anti-GFAP antibody. Semi quantitative scoring in pericentral, periportal and perisinusoidal area of each case was done to assess immunoexpression of each marker.

Results: Immunoexpression of GFAP showed significant association with α-SMA. GFAP expression was inversely correlated with progression of fibrosis.

Conclusion: GFAP could represent a useful marker for early hepatic stellate cells activation. Follow up biopsies showing decline in GFAP levels may help identify the target group requiring aggressive therapy.

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.12669/pjms.305.5534

How to cite this:Hassan S, Syed S, Kehar SI. Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) as a mesenchymal marker of early hepatic stellate cells activation in liver fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis C infection. Pak J Med Sci 2014;30(5):1027-1032.   doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.12669/pjms.305.5534

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