The beneficial effect of alpha-tocopherol on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy on rats.
Liver, a unique organ, is the only organ which has the ability to regenerate after partial hepatectomy. It can return to normal mass several weeks after 70% partial hepatectomy. The exact mechanism responsible for regeneration is yet to be known. This needs further investigation. The aim of this study is to examine the role of oxygen free radicals (OFRs) such as superoxide (O(-)2), hydroxyl radicals (H2O2 or OH(-)) in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (< 70%). To evaluate the effect of antioxidant on liver regeneration, rats were pre-treated intramuscularly with alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) daily for 3 weeks, and continued for 3 weeks post partial hepatectomy (< 70%) liver weight, rat body weight were determined in both control (untreated) and treated groups. The present results showed significant increase in liver weight in vitamin E treated group compared to control. The results of this paper might be useful in throwing some light on the role of oxygen free radical scavengers and antioxidants upon liver regeneration. This would have a therapeutic utilization in patients with liver problems.
Department of Surgery, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Al Dohayan