Fn14 hepatic progenitor cells are associated with liver fibrosis in biliary atresia

Purpose The liver in biliary atresia (BA) is characterized by progressing fibrosis which is promoted by unclear reasons. We aimed to understand the factors influencing liver fibrosis. This study hypothesized that HPCs (hepatic progenitor cells) are activated and associated with liver fibrosis in biliary atresia. Methods Liver samples from biliary atresia patients are as BA group, and the normal liver derived from hepatoblastoma infants during operation are control group. The extent of fibrosis in liver samples was blindly evaluated by two experienced pathologists depending on Ishak system. The BA liver samples were divided into mild liver fibrosis group (grade I–IV, BA a ) and severe liver fibrosis group (grade V–VI, BA b ) to detect Fn14 protein expression. Results In mRNA level, Fn14 expression was 21.23 ± 8.3 vs. 1.00 ± 0.17, p = 0.023