Chromosomal abnormalities in liver cell dysplasia detected by comparative genomic hybridisation

Background/Aim-The pathogenetic relation between liver cell dysplasia and h epatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly understood. The aim of this study w as to determine whether there is a genetic link between liver cell dysplasi a and HCC that could support the role of dysplasia as a tumour precursor le sion. Methods-Microdissection from paraffin wax embedded sections and degenerate oligonucleotide primed polymerase chain reaction (DOP-PCR) were combined to analyse chromosomal imbalances by comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) in nine HCCs and nodules containing liver cell dysplasia and cirrhosis adja cent to the tumours. Seven cases of large cell changes (LCC) and three case s of small cell changes (SCC) were analysed. The genetic abnormalities dete cted in liver cell dysplasia were then compared with those present in the c orresponding HCC. Results-No abnormalities were detected in LCC and cirrhotic nodules, arguin g against the preneoplasic nature of these cell foci. In contrast, a subset of chromosomal alterations present in HCCs was found in the adjacent SCC. Conclusions-These findings support the preneoplastic status of SCC in human hepatocarcinogenesis.