Discrete breakpoint mapping and shortest region of overlap of chromosome arm 1q gain and 1p loss in human hepatocellular carcinoma detected by semiquantitative microsatellite analysis.

Recurrent chromosomal gain at 1q is one of the most common features of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but how the gain at 1q contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis is still unclear. To identify the target genes, precise determination of the shortest region of overlap (SRO) and of breakpoints is necessary. Similarly, the role of loss at 1p, which is also a major cytogenetic aberration in HCC, needs to be determined.

Alteration of the p14(ARF) gene and p53 status in human hepatocellular carcinomas.

Background: The INK4a/ARF locus encodes p16INK4a and p14ARF, both of which are crucial for two tumor suppressor pathways, retinoblastoma (RB)/p16INK4a and p53/ARF. Inactivation of RB/p16INK4a was frequently reported, but alterations of the p14ARF gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the Japanese population have been insufficiently analyzed.

Methods: To determine the role of p53/ARF alteration in hepatocarcinogenesis, we examined 44 HCCs for mRNA expression, deletion, mutation, and promoter hypermethylation of the p14(ARF) gene; alterations of p53 were also analyzed in the same series of HCCs.

Comprehensive allelotyping of well-differentiated human hepatocellular carcinoma with semiquantitative determination of chromosomal gain or loss.

Allelic imbalance (AI), which represents certain chromosomal gains or losses, has been described in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the impact of AI on the early stage of hepatocarcinogenesis has not been fully clarified. Moreover, no previous allelotype studies have identified the difference in chromosomal gain and loss that results in AI. To resolve these problems, we examined 18 well-differentiated HCCs with comprehensive allelotyping by using 400 microsatellite markers with semiquantitative assessment of chromosomal gain or loss.

Prognostic impact of multiple allelic losses on metastatic recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection.

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosomes 13q, 16q and 17p has been associated with the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To investigate the prognostic impact of such LOH, we examined the metastasis-free survival of curatively resected HCC cases, in whom these LOHs were analyzed. Among the 49 HCC patients examined, the frequency of LOHs was 28% on 13q, 33% on 16q and 40% on 17p.

Benign hepatic nodules in Budd-Chiari syndrome: radiologic-pathologic correlation with emphasis on the central scar.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the imaging features of benign hepatic nodules in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome and to correlate them with pathologic findings, with special attention placed on the presence of a central scar.

Materials And Methods: Imaging findings of 59 benign hepatic nodules in four patients with chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome were analyzed retrospectively, and radiologic- pathologic correlation was performed in three patients with 50 hepatic nodules who underwent liver transplantation. All patients underwent multiphasic helical CT.