Published online Oct 1, 1995. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v1.i1.18
Revised: May 20, 1995
Accepted: July 20, 1995
Published online: October 1, 1995
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.