Chronic liver diseases have both high incidence and mortality rates; therefore, a
deeper understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is essential. We have
determined the content and sulfation pattern of chondroitin sulfate (CS) and heparan
sulfate (HS) in human hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhotic liver tissues, considering
the etiology of the diseases. A variety of pathological conditions such as alcoholic
liver disease, hepatitis B and C virus infections, and primary sclerosing cholangitis
were studied. Major differences were observed in the total abundance and sulfation
pattern of CS and HS chains. For example, the 6-O-sulfation
of CS is fundamentally different regarding etiologies of cirrhosis, and a 2–threefold
increase in HS N-sulfation/O-sulfation
ratio was observed in hepatocellular carcinoma compared to cirrhotic tissues.
