Abstract
Objective: To investigate the potential of a series of growth factors which may be involved in liver regeneration. Design: The concentrations of epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) were measured in plasma and liver tissue 48h after liver resection or sham operation combined with malnutrition. Methods: Forty-four rats were randomized to either semistarvation or ordinary food intake; half of each group was partially hepatectomized, and the other half underwent a sham operation and served as controls. Growth factors were measured by radioimmunoassay. Results: Plasma EGF levels were increased following semistarvation and were also increased in plasma and liver tissue after 48 h of liver regeneration. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha levels did not change following either malnutrition or liver regeneration. Insulin-like growth factor I levels were raised in liver tissue after 48 h of regeneration.Conclusion: These results suggest that EGF has a central role in liver regeneration; the role of IGF-I is uncertain, while TGF-alpha does not seem to be involved in regeneration at 48 h.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 797-802 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 1994 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Epidermal growth factor
- Insulin-like growth factor I
- Liver regeneration
- Malnutrition
- Transforming growth factor-alpha
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
