Lipids in Parenteral Nutrition on Liver Regeneration after Massive Liver Resection in Rats

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to elucidate the influence of lipids contained in the parenteral nutrition (PN) solution on hepatic regeneration and steatosis after massive hepatectomy when the animals are fed with total PN. f METHODS: Four groups of young adult rats were used according to the different types of PN and the harvesting time. In each animal, 75% partial hepatectomy and central line insertion via the internal jugular vein for PN were performed. Either lipid-free (PNG) or lipid-containing (PNL) PNs were used, both of which were isocaloric and isonitrogenous formula. Animals were sacrificed after 24 hours or 48 hours of PN infusion. Cell proliferation marker Ki-67, mitotic index, and relative liver weight gain were utilized to assess hepatic regeneration. Hepatic steatosis was evaluated by the histologic findings of the regenerating liver. RESULTS: Ki-67 index was significantly higher in the lipid-containing PN groups compared to the lipid-free PN groups at 24 and 48 hours (p=0.023 and p=0.008, respectively). Mitotic index was significantly higher in the lipid-containing PN group compared to the lipid-free PN at 48 hours (p=0.036) and a similar pattern was noticed for the fatty changes (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: Lipid-containing PN seemed to enhance liver regeneration and increase hepatic steatosis in rats after 75% hepatectomy compared to lipid-free PN within a short-term period.