Relation between Intrahepatic Peribiliary Glandular Proliferations and Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Hepatolithiasis

Kim, Hyo Jung; Jung, Gil Man; Kim, Yoon Hong; Yeon, Jong Eun; Park, Jong Jae; Shim, Jae Jeong; Kim, Jae Seon; Byun, Kwan Soo; Bak, Young Tae; Lee, Chang Hong

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Previous studies on hepatolithiasis have reported that the peribiliary glands containing mucin are characteristically proliferated and mucin is important for the development of hepatolithiasis. Several apomucins (MUC) have been identified and heterogenic expression of MUCs was observed in variable biliary diseases. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane glycoprotein, and it can induce cell-growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of MUC5AC in the peribiliary glands in patients with hepatolithiasis and to define whether EGFR is related to the proliferation of the peribiliary glands.
METHODS
Twelve patients who underwent a hepatic lobectomy due to intrahepatic duct (IHD) stones were enrolled in this study. Control subjects (n=5) were the patients who underwent a hepatic lobectomy without IHD stone. AB (alcian blue)/PAS double staining was performed for goblet cells. Immunohistochemical staining for MUC5AC and EGFR was also performed.
RESULTS
Peribiliary glandular proliferation was observed in all patients with IHD stones and 20% of the control group. MUC5AC was expressed in 50% of the patients but not in the control group. Rates of EGFR expression in patients and control group were 75% and 0%, respectively (p=0.022).
CONCLUSIONS
In hepatolithiasis, MUC5AC and EGFR in the peribiliary glands are highly expressed. The expression of EGFR is closely related with peribiliary glandular proliferation.