Correlation of hepatitis B surface antigen expression with clinicopathological and biochemical parameters in liver biopsies: A comprehensive study

Figure 1 Different staining patterns of hepatitis B surface antigen in liver tissues. A: Dense cytoplasmic staining in many discrete hepatocytes; B: Diffuse but faint cytoplasmic staining in discrete hepatocytes; C: Diffuse faint cytoplasmic staining in a group of hepatocytes near an inflamed portal area; D: Globular and spotty staining in discrete and in a small group of hepatocytes; E: Submembranous staining in a large group of cells; F: Membranous expression of hepatitis B surface antigen. Original magnifications A and C × 200, B, D, E and F × 400, counter-stained with Mayer’s hematoxylin.

Figure 2 Kaplan-Meier analysis in hepatitis B surface antigen positive and hepatitis B e antigen negative cases (P < 0. 01). A: Cumulative incidence of viral response in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive patients is more frequently observed in cases with higher percentage of immunohistochemical hepatitis B surface antigen (p-HBsAg) expression; B-D: In the same group, serological response is also significantly related to p-HBsAg expression (B) and HBsAg levels (C). However, in HBeAg negative in patients, VR is closely related to hepatitis activity index (D). p-HBsAg: Percentage of immunohistochemical hepatitis B surface antigen; HBsAg: Hepatitis B surface antigen; HAI: Hepatitis activity index; VR: Viral response; SR: Serological response.