Brief Article
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World J Gastroenterol. May 7, 2011; 17(17): 2229-2235
Published online May 7, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i17.2229
Hyperbaric oxygenation promotes regeneration of biliary cells and improves cholestasis in rats
Akihito Idetsu, Taketoshi Suehiro, Kohji Okada, Tatsuo Shimura, Hiroyuki Kuwano
Akihito Idetsu, Taketoshi Suehiro, Kohji Okada, Tatsuo Shimura, Hiroyuki Kuwano, Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showamachi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
Author contributions: Idetsu A and Suehiro T contributed equally to this work; Idetsu A, Suehiro T, Okada K, Shimura T and Kuwano H designed the research; Idetsu A and Suehiro T performed the research and analyzed the data; Idetsu A, Suehiro T and Kuwano H wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Akihito Idetsu, MD, Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showamachi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan. a_idetsu@yahoo.co.jp
Telephone: +81-27-2208224 Fax: +81-27-2208230
Received: June 9, 2010
Revised: September 25, 2010
Accepted: October 2, 2010
Published online: May 7, 2011
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the effects of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) on regeneration of the biliary ductal system and postoperative cholestasis in hepatectomized rats.

METHODS: HBO was performed in Wistar rats daily starting 12 h after a 70% partial hepatectomy. Regenerated liver weight, serum parameters and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index of hepatocytes and biliary ductal cells were measured. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), c-Met and transforming growth factor (TGF) β-1 mRNA expression levels were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS: HBO improved the postoperative serum levels of total bile acid but not transaminase levels. HBO promoted hepatocyte and biliary ductal cell proliferation. The hematoxylin and eosin-stained specimens revealed fewer ballooned hepatocytes and higher cell densities in the HBO group compared to the control group. HBO suppressed c-Met mRNA levels at 15 h but did not modulate HGF or TGF β-1 mRNA expression levels.

CONCLUSION: HBO promoted regeneration of biliary ductal cells and improved postoperative cholestasis after a partial hepatectomy.

Keywords: Hyperbaric oxygenation; Liver regeneration; Partial hepatectomy; Cholestasis; Ballooning