The effect of microvesicular fatty change on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy

Background/Aims: Hepatic resection for primary and secondary liver tumors and transplantation of segments of liver into patients with severe liver disease has become a common practice. However, the information on the regenerative potential of liver with various underlying diseases, particularly, the common disorder fatty change, is sparse. Methodology: In the present study we have evaluated the regenerative potential of liver in mice lacking fatty acyl-CoA oxidase (AOX-/-) after partial hepatectomy. Liver regeneration was assessed by measuring mitotic activity and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling using immunohistochemistry. Results: BrdU labeling index in AOX-/- mice was 99±32, 156±28, 54±13, and 120±33 per 1000 cells at 48, 60, 72 and 84 hours, respectively after partial hepatectomy. Comparable BrdU labelling index was observed in AOX+/+ mice. Similarly, mitotic index in both groups was comparable. Conclusions: These results suggest that DNA synthesis after partial hepatectomy in genetically altered mice with microvesicular fatty change is unaffected.