Aberrant cytokeratin 7 expression of centrilobular hepatocytes: a clinicopathological study

Matsukuma S, Takeo H, Kono T, Nagata Y & Sato K 
(2012) Histopathology 61, 857–862Aberrant cytokeratin 7 expression of centrilobular hepatocytes: a clinicopathological studyAims:  This study has attempted to elucidate the clinicopathological features of aberrant cytokeratin 7 (CK7) expression by centrilobular hepatocytes.Methods and results:  A total of 113 liver biopsy specimens from patients with common non‐neoplastic liver diseases, including hepatitis B or C, non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease and other diseases were examined. In 56 specimens (49.6%), CK7‐positive centrilobular hepatocytes (CK7 + CHs) were identified and sometimes showed binuclear features. CK7 + CHs were associated with patients’ older age (P = 0.004), higher serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.016) and γ‐glutamyltransferase (P = 0.006), centrilobular fibrosis (P < 0.001), prominent thickening of hepatocytic plates (P < 0.001) and higher scores of total and periportal CK7‐positive hepatocytes (both P < 0.001), but were not correlated with gender, steatosis, serum levels of total bilirubin or alanine aminotransferase. In 55 cases of hepatitis B and hepatitis C only, CK7 + CHs were related to a higher stage of fibrosis (P = 0.006).Conclusion:  CK7 + CHs occur relatively frequently in non‐neoplastic liver disease, associated with centrilobular scarring and the presence of CK7‐positive periportal hepatocytes, and appear to be a non‐specific phenomenon with respect aetiology of underlying disease. CK7 + CHs may represent age‐dependent activation of hepatic progenitor cells or a regenerative phenomenon of hepatocytes themselves, both of which might contribute to liver regeneration.