Abstract
An important cause of postoperative hepatic failure is an inappropriate extensive hepatectomy (HPx). Recent data indicate that apoptosis plays a crucial role in the post-HPx remnant liver dysfunction. We advanced the hypothesis that inhibition of apoptosis prevents liver failure after HPx. It was shown that Cyclosporin A (Cys) protects against apoptosis. To investigate whether post-HPx liver failure is an apoptosis dependent phenomenon, we pretreated Sprague-Dawley rats with Cys A (10 mg/kg) immediately before 85% HPx. A group was submitted to HPx only, and control animals were sham-operated. Twenty-four hours later, half of the animals of each group were sacrificed and liver was fixed for optical observation. The remaining rats were followed-up for survival rates. Liver dysfunction at sacrifice was significantly lower in Cys treated animals as demonstrated by serum levels of total and direct bilirubin, AST and ALT (p < 0.05). In parallel, the Cys A group disclosed a lower number of apoptotic cells, and less severe liver injuries (p = 0.000). HPx rat survival was marginally ameliorated by Cys pretreatment. Our data support the hypothesis that apoptosis is a relevant mechanism of post-HPx hepatic failure.
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T. Acar
T. Acar Sogutozu sitesi. Akasya apt.No = 8 TUR-Sogutozu — Ankara, Turkey E-mail: [email protected]