Introduction Liver regeneration is an exceptionally complex process, orchestrated by a multitude of
growth factors and
cytokines.
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and
interleukin-6 (Il-6) have a pivotal role in the initiation of the regenerative response.
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) exhibits a liver protective effect that enhances liver growth after injury. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of UDCA in the circulating levels of TNF-a and
Il-6 in rats undergoing extended 80%
hepatectomy. Materials and methods Twenty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned in an experimental (UDCA group) and a control group. Mice in the UDCA-group received oral pretreatment of UDCA for two weeks preoperatively at a dosage of 25 mg/kg/day. An 80% hepatic resection was performed in both groups by resecting the middle, inferior right, and left lateral liver lobes. The experiment ended 48 hours postoperatively. Results UDCA pretreatment significantly depressed circulating levels of both TNF-a and
Il-6 after the conclusion of the experiment as compared to the control group (p=0.001 and p=0.01, respectively). Furthermore, TNF-a levels were significantly reduced before the institution of liver injury (p=0.02). Mice in the UDCA-group exhibited better liver growth as demonstrated by significantly increased Ki-67 and mitotic rate (p=0.04 and p=0.02, respectively). Finally, the liver regeneration rate (LRR) was significantly elevated in the experimental group (UDCA group, 54.5% vs control group, 35.8%; p=0.002) signifying enhanced liver growth kinetics. Conclusion UDCA reduces the expression of TNF-a and
Il-6 during the priming phase of liver regeneration. An 80%
hepatectomy model of
acute liver failure exhibited enhanced liver regeneration in the experimental group, plausibly due to the immunomodulatory effects of UDCA.