Dynamic comparison between degree of liver injury and state of liver regeneration after hepatectomy in rats

Objective To investigate the relationship between degree of liver injury and state of liver regeneration after hepatectomy. Methods Wistar rats were randomized into 3 groups: (1) sham operated group (group A);(2) normal rats receiving hepatectomy group (group B);(3) cirrhotic rats receiving hepatectomy group (group C). After operation in all the 3 groups, we determined the levels of aminotransferase in serum and liver tissue, ratio of liver weight to body weight, liver regeneration rate and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in liver tissue. Results As compared with the normal rats, the level of aminotransferase in serum after hepatectomy was significantly higher and lasted longer in cirrhotic rats (P0 05) and the expression of PCNA in liver tissue delayed and altered much slowlier (P0 05). The levels of ALT and AST in the serum were negatively correlated to the liver regeneration (P0 05). Conclusions The degree of liver injury is negatively correlated to and affects the state of liver regeneration. Detection of aminotransferase level after hepatectomy can indirectly reflect liver regeneration.