Progress in research of liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy

• Published in: Jie Fang Jun Yi Xue Za Zhi Vol. 39; no. 1; p. 70
• Main Authors: Xiao-biao ZHAO, Yu-ling, MING, CHEN, Ping
• Format: Book Review
• Language: Chinese; English
• Published: Beijing People's Military Medical Press 01.01.2014
• Subjects: Liver
• ISSN: 0577-7402
• DOI: 10.11855/j.issn.0577-7402.2014.01.16

Hepatectomy is an effective method for treatment of a variety of benign and malignant liver diseases. But extended liver resection could lead to a fatal liver failure, and it is still a worldwide problem. Although liver transplantation is an effective treatment, but the shortage of donor limits the development of liver transplantation. The existing bioartificial liver technology still can not completely fulfill all the functions of the liver, and the proliferation of hepatic cells after in vivo cell transplantation is limited, thus encroaching upon its therapeutic effect. But, unlike other organs, the liver has a huge potential regenerative capacity. After hepatectomy, the liver parenchymal cells and non-parenchymal cells in the remaining liver, various cytokines and growth factors in the body and hepatic stem cells are able to respond promptly. The liver volume will therefore be able to restore to its original size, and liver function may return to normality soon. Liver regeneration is roughly divided into three phases, i.e., initiation, proliferation and termination phases. Liver regeneration is complex at all the phases, and they will be affected by many factors. The mechanism of liver regeneration has not yet fully understood. Therefore, to explore the mechanism of liver cell regeneration has extremely important practical significance, and the understanding of which will establish a theoretical basis for enhancing liver regeneration in clinical practice, and for the prevention and treatment of liver failure. Liver regeneration after liver resection has become a research hotspot in recent years. This review summarizes the research progress of liver regeneration after liver resection.