VEGF enhances liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy

Aims: Although Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) has been shown to play a role in liver tissue repair, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Aims of the study were to determine the effects of exogenous and endogenous VEGF after partial hepatectomy (PH) in a rat model. Methods: Lewis rats were subjected to 70% PH and split into 3 groups. Group A (VEGF), group B (anti-VEGF), and group C (Control). Postoperatively, vessel density (VD), vessel diameter (VDi) and intervascular space (iVS), liver body weight ratio (LBR) and Ki–67 immunostaining in 5 rats per time point and group were recorded (n=120). Expression of angiogenic and pathogenetically relevant genes was determined by an inhouse cDNA macroarray and quantitative rt-PCR. Results: In group A, VD was significantly increased compared to group B or C as well as VDi (p<0,05). LBR was higher in group A than group B or C. Ki–67 immunostaining showed a significantly decreased labelling index of hepatocytes at 24h after PH with 3% in group B which was associated with a significantly prolonged expression of protective genes. Conclusions: VEGF leads to increased angiogenesis and liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy and may represent a novel therapeutic strategy to optimize liver regeneration.

Key words

VEGF - liver regeneration - partial hepatectomy