Selective suppression of initial cytokine response facilitates liver regeneration after extensive hepatectomy in rats
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026
Isolation of Regenerating Hepatocytes after Partial Hepatectomy in Mice
Published on: December 2, 2022
Ryuji Tsutsumi1, Yukio Kamohara, Susumu Eguchi
1Department of Transplantation and Digestive Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
Background/Aims:
After extensive hepatectomy, the cytokine network plays an important role in injury to the remnant liver and subsequent impairment of liver regeneration. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) are thought to be the initial cytokines associated with liver injury as well as with regeneration. We investigated the effect of the suppression of these cytokines on liver function and on liver regeneration after subtotal hepatectomy in rats.
Methodology:
Following 90% hepatectomy, rats were divided into two groups. Animals in the FR group received intraperitoneal FR167653, a selective inhibitor of TNF alpha and IL 1beta, while those in the Control group received vehicle only. Liver chemistry and serum levels of TNF alpha and IL-6 were measured serially. Liver specimens were obtained 48 hr after surgery and regenerative activity assessed by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression and remnant liver weight.
Results:
The survival rate was significantly better in the FR group (76.4+/-11.7 hrs) than in the Control group (26.8+/-4.3 hrs, p=0.0014). Liver enzyme and blood sugar levels after surgery were higher in the FR group compared to the Control group (p=0.03 or less). Changes in serum levels of both TNF alpha and IL-6 were suppressed in FR group rats after surgery. Microscopically, hepatocellular damage and steatosis was less prominent in FR group livers. PCNA labeling index and residual liver weights were higher in the FR group (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
Following extensive hepatectomy in rats, suppression of early cytokine induction improved liver function and facilitated liver regeneration. Suppression of selective cytokine responses could allow extended liver resection and reduced risk of liver failure.
