Impact of polyploid hepatocyte status on liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and tumor recurrence

doi:10.16139/j.1007-9610.2026.02.12

Abstract

Abstract:

Human somatic cells are inherently diploid, and an increase in chromosomal content results in polyploidy. The liver is one of the few human organs that is uniquely enriched in polyploid hepatocytes. Hepatocyte polyploidization participates in liver development and the progression of diverse hepatic diseases. This review systematically integrated recent advances in hepatocyte ploidy research by outlining the principal modes of ploidy transition, delineating distinct ploidy states, and emphasizing the mechanistic differences between binucleated and mononucleated polyploid hepatocytes. We further concentrated on mononucleated polyploid hepatocytes, examining the pathological conditions that underpin their emergence and linking these changes to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence. Across chronic liver diseases that predispose to liver cirrhosis, aberrant expansion of mononucleated polyploid hepatocytes not only accelerated progression liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, but also showed a strong association with clinical outcomes in patients with HCC. Elucidating the regulatory mechanisms that govern mononucleated polyploidization will provide a conceptual foundation for improving the fibrotic and cirrhotic microenvironment and for informing therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing HCC recurrence.

Key words: Polyploidy, Hepatocyte, Ploidy, Liver fibrosis, Hepatocellular carcinoma

CLC Number:

LUO Xinyi, LU Yiquan, ZHANG Yifan, WANG Nan, HAO Fengjie, WANG Junqing. Impact of polyploid hepatocyte status on liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and tumor recurrence[J]. Journal of Surgery Concepts & Practice, 2026, 31(02): 169-174.

Figures/Tables 2

References 51

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