Changes of ECM and CAM gene expression profile in the cirrhotic liver after HCV infection: analysis by cDNA expression array.

AIM: We aimed to observe the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) and cellular adhesion molecules (CAM) in cirrhotic liver tissues after hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS: Twelve patients with post HCV inflammatory liver cirrhosis were selected to evaluate their liver function and other virological, pathological parameters. Then three specimens of cirrhotic patients whose health assessment results and laboratory data were similar and three normal liver specimens explanted from liver grafts prepared for liver transplantation were chosen for investigating gene expression of ECM and CAM using cDNA expression array. RESULTS: The cDNA array assay revealed 36.7% (36/96) of genes with changes, in which 26.3% (26/96) was up-regulated and 10.1% (10/96) was down-regulated. Integrin (ITGA), collagen (COL), ADAMTS were identified as the characteristic changes of ECM and CAM gene expression levels. ITGA were demonstrated beta1 and beta2 sub-section changed in liver cirrhosis. CONCLUSION: ECM and CAM play an important role in the progression of liver cirrhosis after HCV infection. The capital mechanism is related to the inflammatory cells infiltration, the activation and transformation of ECM producing cells and the imbalance between production and elimination of ECM.