Effects of limited hepatectomy on liver regeneration and function recovery of cirrhotic rat model

Objective To assess the effects of limited hepatectomy on liver regeneration and function recovery of cirrhotic animal model. Methods Cirrhotic rat models were first prepared by intraperitoneal injection of CCL4. After that, the cirrhotic animal models underwent 20% hepatectomy (n=30). The cirrhotic animals that underwent sham operation (n=30) and normal animals that underwent 20% hepatectomy (n=30) were used as control groups. From the time when cirrhotic models were prepared to 3 months after 20% hepatectomy, the hepatic function, coagulation function were tested regularly. Western blotting and real-time PCR were carried out to test the protein and gene expression of TGF-β, HGF and PCNA. Results Hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis were observed during the preparation of cirrhotic rat models by intraperitoneal injection of CCL4. The hepatic function and coagulation function of cirrhotic models were partly recovered 3 month after 20% hepatectomy. The gene and protein expression levels of TGF-β in the liver of animal model get higher during the preparation of cirrhotic rat models. However, the gene and protein expression levels of TGF-β get lower in cirrhotic model undergoing 20% hepatectomy, when compared with that in cirrhotic animals (sham operation) and normal animals (20% hepatectomy). Furthermore, the gene and protein expression levels of HGF and PCNA get higher in cirrhotic model undergoing 20% hepatectomy, when compared with that in cirrhotic animals (sham operation) and normal animals (20% hepatectomy). Conclusions Experimental limited hepatectomy facilitates the liver regeneration and function recovery of cirrhotic animal model, which may provide a novel method for the prevention and treatment of cirrhosis using limited hepatectomy technique. Key words: Liver cirrhosis; Hepatectomy; Liver regeneration