Hepatocyte growth factor promotes liver regeneration and protein synthesisafter hepatectomy in cirrhotic rats

Background/Aims: Hepatocyte growth factor, a potent mitogen for hepatocytes has been reported to be a hepatrophic factor in normal livers. In this stu dy, the effect of exogenous hepatocyte growth factor on liver regeneration in cirrhotic rats was investigated, in vitro and in vivo. Methodology: Liver cirrhosis was induced by intraperitoneal injections of a n emulsion, carbon tetrachloride and olive oil, twice weekly for 10 weeks. in vitro, various amounts of exogenous hepatocyte growth factor; 0, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10ng/mL; were added to the hepatocytes isolated using in situ perfusion method. lit vivo, partial hepatectomy (Hx), according to the proc edure described by Higgins and Anderson, was performed on cirrhotic rats. S aline solution (control group) or 3 mug/kg of exogenous hepatocyte growth f actor (HGF group) was then injected through the tail vein at intervals 12 h ours after Hx. Results: in vitro, DNA synthesis in hepatocytes obtained from cirrhotic liv ers increased following exogenous hepatocyte growth factor in dose-dependen t fashion. In vivo, the labeling index of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine at 24 hou rs after Hx was markedly increased by exogenous hepatocyte growth factor (c ontrol, 10.0 +/-3.1%; hepatocyte growth factor, 25.8 +/-9.8%; P <0.01). Fur thermore, serum albumin at 24 and 72 hours and a normotest at 24 hours afte r Hx, were significantly higher in the HGF group than in the control group. Conclusions: These results indicate that exogenous hepatocyte growth factor may promote DNA synthesis and protein synthesis during liver regeneration after Hx with cirrhosis.