Objective To evaluate the outcome of liver transplantation in patients with recurrent liver cancer after resection. Methods Data of 23 patients underwent liver transplantation for recurrent liver cancer from April 2001 to March 2008 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Results Previous history of liver resection had little negative effect in subsequent liver transplantation in technical aspect. Liver function recovered uneventfully after transplantation in all cases. Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) recovered to normal value in 13 of 17 cases with elevated AFP before transplantation within one month after operation. Five cases (21.74%) had postoperative complications. Nineteen cases (82.61%) were followed up, average follow-up duration were 610 days. There were 5 cases (26.32%) of cancer recurrence and 6 deaths during follow-up, survival rate was 68.42%. Conclusion Liver transplantation is a reasonable treatment for recurrent liver cancer after resection.
Objective To establish the rat orthotopic liver transplantation model by characterizing the blood supply of hepatic artery with the Cuff skill and the modified arterial sleeve anastomosis, to explore the possible mechanisms of acute rejection and the express of Fractalkine (Fkn) in the early stage after hepatic allograft operation. Methods SD rats were selected as donors and Wistar rats as receptor for the rejection model of orthotopic liver transplantation. Recipient rats were divided into 2 groups randomly after operationand the drugs were given intraperitoneally once a day in each group. In the experimental group, cyclosporine A (CsA) was delivered with 3 mg/kg. In the control group, only normal saline was given with 3 ml/kg. Condition of survivals were observed. The rejection actvity index (RAI) and the expression of Fkn of liver tissue were observed after 3rd, 5th and 7th days in 5 rats. The rest of rats in each group were fed and given drug or normal saline until they were died and the mean survival time were recorded. Results There were 18 survivals in control group, and 19 in experimental group after liver transplantation. Condition of survivals in experimental group was better than that of control group. The mean survival times of experimental group(19.50±4.51 days) was significantly longer than that of control group(7.60±1.60 days), showing statistically significant difference (P＜0.05). After 3rd, 5th and 7th days of transplantation, RAI of control group were 3.80±0.35,5.90±0.87 and 7.50±1.30,respectively;RAI of experimental group were 3.10±0.21,3.90±0.41 and 4.50±0.52.Therewasstatistically significant difference in RAI between 2 groups on the 7th day after transplantation (Plt;0.01). On the 3rd,5th and 7th days after transplantation, the Fkn of control group was 8.20±0.57,21.30±3.30 and 25.70±4.91, and that of experimental group was 8.30±0.56,10.30±0.67 and 11.70±1.23. There were statistically significant differences in Fkn between 2 groups on the 5th, 7th days after transplantation (Plt;0.01). Conclusion Fkn is a participant inacute rejection after the rat orthotopic liver transplantation and can be chosen as a useful target in the diagnosis of acute rejection. CsA has immunosuppressive property in the condition of acute rejection in the rat orthotopic liver transplantation, which may be result from the decreased the level of Fkn.
Objective To study the relation between changes of the hepatic energy metabolism and allograft viability in early phase after orthotopic liver transplantation, arterial blood ketone body ratio (AKBR) was measured in pre- intra and post-operative phase. Methods The monkeys were divided into two groups in accordance with survived times. A group (＞24h), 5 monkeys survived 29—168 postoperative hours; B group (＜24h), 9 monkeys survived only 5—22 hours. Results AKBR in all models immediately decreased to extraordinarily low state in anhepatic-phase (versus preanhepatic phase, Ｐ＜0.01), and A group recovered rapidly to the normal levels, and maintained continuously for 12 postoperative hours above the level of 0.7. In contrast in B group, AKBR decreased below 0.7 rapidly and failed to restore to the normal level. Within 12 hours postoperatively, in B group, AKBR was lower than 0.4. Conclusion AKBR is a sensitve indicator to the allograft viability in the early phase after hepatic transplantation.
Objective To explore the liver regeneration following partial liver transplantation. MethodsPartial liver transplantation in the rats were established, three experimental groups were: Ⅰ=control, partial liver resection; Ⅱ=orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT); Ⅲ=partial orthotopic liver transplantation (POLT). Liver function test, morphological investigations and liver regeneration were performed in different time after transplantation. The regenerative response of transplanted partial liver graft in rats were evaluated by Flow Cytometry and compared it to liver regeneration following resection.Results The serum concentrations of ALT, BILI increased in one week, but returned gradually to normal level within one month after transplantation. Large numbers of mononuclear cells infiltrating into the portal areas. Hepatocyte necrosis was observed on day 14 after transplantation. On day 30, the parenchyma cell showed a nearly normal appearance, bile duct proliferation was seen in portal areas. In addition, after liver resection and POLT some diploid hepatocytes were found. Dilation of the central veins, adjoining sinusoids and interlobar veins were seen in group Ⅲ. The partial liver graft is capable of regeneration similar to the situation following partial hepatectomy. The peak of liver regeneration was seen on day 1,2,4 following a hepatectomy and POLT and OLT, respectively.Conclusion The transplanted liver shows the same and/or enhanced regeneration compared to controls. There are several possible explanations for the slight delay in achieving the maximal regenerative response in rats undergoing the POLT and OLT. These may include damage that is induced by the operation itself, preservation, and reperfusion injuries. These suggest that this be caused by activation of the immune system and it might be related to the regulation of cytokines and hormone.
Objective To discuss the criteria of recipient selection，surgical approach，and complications and its theray by using of pediatric donation after cardiac death liver graft in adult recipient. Methods The clinical data of one case of pediatric donation after cardiac death liver to adult recipient was analyzed retrospectively and the literatures were reviewed. Results A 6-year-old girl pronounced brain death due to drowning and on the basis of cardiopulmonary criteria donated the organ．The liver graft weight was 598 g and the warm ischemic time was 10 min. The liver donor was transplanted to a 64-year-old woman，the graft to recipient weight ratio was 1.09%，the graft volume/estimated standard liver volume was 61.8%．The classic orthotopic liver transplantation without bypass was underwent，the postoperative recovery was smooth after the liver transplantation．The CT scan showed that the liver graft volume was 1 003cm3 on day 14 after operation．The patient was discharged on 45 d after orthotopic liver transplantation and the liver function was normal when followed-up 3 months after the operation. Conclusions Pediatric donation after cardiac death liver graft can be successfully utilized to adult recipient．Recipient selection and surgical approach should be decided by conditions of both donor and graft．
Objective To investigate the significance of hepatic arterial reconstruction on the model of 40% small-for-size orthotopic liver transplantation in rats. Methods Modified two-cuff technique was applied to establish a rat model of 40% orthotopic liver transplantation. A total of 240 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: reconstructive artery group and non-reconstructive artery group. One week survival rate was observed. Main indexes of liver function, histology and the expression of proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) of liver graft （by immunohistochemical method） were detected on day 1, 2, 4 and 7 after transplantation, respectively. Results One week survival rates of reconstructive artery group and non-reconstructive artery group were 65.0% (13/20) and 50.0% (10/20) respectively (Pgt;0.05). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bilirubin (TB) began to elevate from day 1 and peaked on day 2 after surgery in two groups. ALT in non-reconstructive artery group on day 2 and 4 were significantly higher than that in reconstructive artery group (P＜0.05). TB in non-reconstructive artery group on day 2 and 7 were significantly higher than that in reconstructive artery group (P＜0.05). Histological findings indicated that more diploid and polyploid hepatocytes and more gently dilation of central veins and hepatic sinusoids could be seen postoperatively in reconstructive artery group. The expression of PCNA of liver graft peaked on day 2 after surgery. The expression of PCNA of reconstructive artery group was higher on day 1 (P＜0.01) and lower on day 7 than that of non-reconstructive artery group after operation (P＜0.05). Conclusions Arterial reconstruction can improve liver function of liver grafts after small-for-size orthotopic liver transplantation, alleviate the histological changes and promote the regeneration of liver grafts quickly.
ObjectiveTo approach the role of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in the maintenance of immunotolerance in mouse liver allograft. MethodsThe mouse orthotopic liver transplantation was performed. After the liver transplantation immunotolerance induction, antiCD25 monoclonal antibody (PC61) was injected into the recipients with a delayed timing to remove the CD4+CD25+ T cells. The percentage of CD4+CD25+ T cells and the expression of forkhead/winged helix transcription factor (Foxp3) in the recipients were examined. Furthermore, the survival time of the recipient was observed. ResultsC3H/HeJ recipients receiving DBA/2 hepatic allografts survived over 70 d as in the syngeneic liver transplantation (C3H/HeJ recipients receiving C3H/HeJ hepatic grafts). With various protocols of the delayed PC61 treatment, the CD4+CD25+ T cell was completely disappeared as observed. However, the removal of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells after the induction of transplantation immunotolerance did not affect the survival of hepatic allografts. ConclusionCD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells are not essential for the maintenance of spontaneous mouse liver transplantation immunotolerance.
Objective To review the recent studies regarding etiology and management of diarrhea after liver transplantation. Methods The current related literatures about the etiology and management of diarrhea after liver transplantation were reviewed. Results There were approximately 10.00% to 35.44% recipients developed diarrhea after liver transplantation. Other symptoms such as severe body fluid and electrolyte loss, discomfort, and increase blood level of immunosuppressive drug can be caused by diarrhea as well. Clostridium difficile, cytomegalovirus, rotavirus infection and immunosuppressant were main etiological factors. It is important to find out the inducement of diarrhea and work out the corresponding management and other supportive care on the basis of the etiology. Conclusion Diarrhea is a common complication of liver transplantation whose etiology is complex. Appropriate approaches may be helpful to decrease the risk of this complication.
ObjectiveTo analyse the outcomes of patients with Child-Pugh A class cirrhosis and a single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) up to 5 cm in diameter who underwent liver transplantation versus resection. MethodsDuring 2007 to 2011, 263 Child-Pugh A class cirrhotic patients with a single HCC up to 5 cm in diameter either underwent liver resection (n=227) or received liver transplantation (n=36) in our centre. Patients and tumour characteristics and outcomes were analysed. ResultsThe 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates of patients who received liver transplantation and liver resection were 91.7%, 85.3%, 81.0% and 80.6%, 59.8%, 50.8%, respectively (P=0.003). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of patients who underwent liver transplantation were 100%, 87.5%, and 83.1% versus 96.9%, 83.8%, and 76.1% for patients received liver resection (P=0.391). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates for patients with a diameter of HCC < 3 cm underwent liver transplantation were 92.3%, 92.3%, and 92.3% versus 80.2%, 62.5%, and 50.5% for live resection group (P=0.019). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates for patients with a diameter of HCC < 3 cm underwent liver transplantation and liver resection were 100%, 91.7%, 91.7% and 97.7%, 87.5%, 79.5%, respectively (P=0.470). ConclusionsAlthough more recurrences are observed in Child A class cirrhotic patients with a single HCC up to 5 cm in diameter after liver resection, but overall survival rates for patients with a single HCC up to 5 cm in diameter are similar after liver resection and transplantation.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of heparin binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) on liver regeneration after partial orthotopic liver transplantation. MethodsFourty SD rats were used to establish the model of partial orthotopic liver transplantation with ameliorated two-cuff technique. Then all the rats were divided into 2 groups: experiment group and control group. Twenty rats of experiment group were administered 500 μg/kg HBEGF via vena caudalis immediately after operation twice a day, while the same volume of saline was administered to the rats in control group. Five rats in each group were selected randomly and killed at the 6th hour, day 2, 4 and 7 after operation, respectively. The serum levels of albumin (Alb) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the blood sample were detected. Every liver was removed and weighed. The expression of Ki67 was detected by using immunohistochemistry assay. The regeneration activity of hepatocytes was evaluated by flow cytometry. ResultsThe wet weights of liver in experiment group were all significantly higher than that in control group at the 6th hour, day 2 and 4 after transplantation (P＜0.05). The serum levels of ALT were significantly lower in experiment group than those in control group at the 6th hour, day 2， 4, 7 after operation (P＜0.05), while the levels of Alb were significantly higher on day 4 and 7. The proliferating index and Ki-67 labeling index of graft in experiment group were higher than those in control group on day 2 and 4 after transplantation （2 d: P＜0.01; 4 d: P＜0.05）. ConclusionHBEGF could promote the regeneration of rat hepatocytes after partial liver transplantation.