The mystery of liver regeneration
- 1 September 2002
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in British Journal of Surgery
- Vol. 89 (9), 1089-1095
- https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2168.2002.02166.x
Abstract
Background Partial hepatectomy is the strongest stimulator of hepatic regeneration. The process of initiation and the control of the final size of the regenerated liver have been the subject of research for many years. A better understanding of this process and the effect of disease may allow better selection of patients for partial hepatectomy. It may also allow an insight into the possible application of clinical stimulation of regeneration. Methods Data were reviewed from the published literature using the Medline database. Results Most knowledge comes from in vitro studies and the study of resection in the rat model. A variety of cytokines, hormones and growth factors are involved in regeneration but very few have been found capable of stimulating regeneration in vitro. The exact interactions are not known, but there is probably a cascade involving different factors at differing stages of regeneration. Conclusion Further in vivo research should allow greater understanding of liver regeneration, thereby providing a potential therapeutic tool in patients for whom regeneration has failed, or is likely to fail. Such research is also important in respect of liver support devices, which may inhibit liver regeneration by filtration of many of the factors involved.Keywords
This publication has 40 references indexed in Scilit:
- Review: Regulation of liver regeneration by pro‐inflammatory cytokinesJournal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 1996
- Graft size assessment by preoperative computed tomography in living related partial liver transplantationBritish Journal of Surgery, 1993
- Growth factors in liver development, regeneration and carcinogenesisProgress in Growth Factor Research, 1991
- Artificial liverDigestive Diseases and Sciences, 1991
- Hepatic function and liver resectionJournal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 1990
- Type beta transforming growth factor reversibly inhibits the early proliferative response to partial hepatectomy in the rat.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 1988
- A Study of Normal Liver and Livers with Chronic Hepatitis and CirrhosisAnnals of Surgery, 1987
- Gene expression during liver regenerationJournal of Molecular Biology, 1984
- Rat Liver Regeneration After 90% Partial HepatectomyHepatology, 1984
- Stimulation of HTC hepatoma cell growth in vitro by hepatic stimulator substance (HSS): Interactions with serum, insulin, glucagon, epidermal growth factor and platelet derived growth factorExperimental Cell Research, 1984