Aim: Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) plays a crucial role in hepatic biology, including liver development, regeneration, proliferation and carcinogenesis. In this study we investigated the role of GSK-3β in regulation of growth of hepatic oval cells in vitro and in liver regeneration in partially hepatectomized rats. Methods: WB-F344 cells, the rat hepatic stem-like epithelial cells, were used as representative of oval cells. Cell viability was examined using a WST-8 assay. The cells were transfected with a recombinant lentivirus expressing siRNA against GSK-3β (GSK3βRNAiLV) or a lentivirus that overexpressed GSK-3β (GC-GSK-3βLV). Adult rats underwent partial (70%) hepatectomy, and liver weight and femur length were measured at d 7 after the surgery. The expression of GSK-3β, phospho-Ser 9 -GSK-3β, β-catenin and cyclin D1 was examined with immunoblotting assays or immunohistochemistry. Results: Treatment of WB-F344 cells with the GSK-3β inhibitor SB216763 (5 and 10 µmol/L) dose-dependently increased the levels of phospho-Ser 9 -GSK-3β, but not the levels of total GSK-3β, and promoted the cell proliferation. Knockout of GSK-3β with GSK-3βRNAiLV increased the cell proliferation, whereas overexpression of GSK-3β with GC-GSK-3βLV decreased the proliferation. Both SB216763 and GSK-3βRNAiLV significantly increased the levels of β-catenin and cyclin D1 in the cells, whereas GSK-3β overexpression decreased their levels. In rats with a partial hepatectomy, administration of SB216763 (2 mg/kg, ip) significantly increased the number of oval cells, the levels of phospho-Ser 9 -GSK-3β, β-catenin and cyclin D1 in liver, as well as the ratio of liver weight to femur length at d 7 after the surgery. Conclusion: GSK-3β suppresses the proliferation of hepatic oval cells by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

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Objective: The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis comparing the oncological, intraoperative and safety outcomes in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery with and without preservation of the left colic artery (LCA). Method: We searched several databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. This meta-analysis included randomized clinical trials, prospective, and retrospective comparative studies regarding high- or modified low-tie ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery. Results: Of 641 potentially eligible articles, 16 studies with 3050 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in estimated blood loss (WMD −2.63, 95% CI −5.69 to 0.43; P = .09), the number of harvested lymph nodes (WMD −0.35, 95% CI −1.60 to 0.20; P = .50), the number of apical lymph node yield (WMD −0.19, 95% CI −0.52 to 0.13; P = .24), the number of apical lymph node metastasis (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.45; P = .40), rate of conversion to open surgery (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.09; P = .513), rate of urinary dysfunction (OR 1.39, 95% CI 0.71 to 2.74; P = .34), rate of recurrence and metastasis (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.61; P = .64), 5-year survival rate (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.18; P = .42). However, this meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference in operating time (WMD −9.92, 95% CI −15.49 to −5.84; P = .0005), rate of diverting stom (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.92; P = .02), rate of anastomotic leakage (OR 2.673, 95% CI 1.91 to 3.62; P < .00001), time to first flatus (WMD 0.29, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.48; P = .002), time of hospitalization (WMD 0.64, 95% CI 0.14 to 1.15; P = .01) between the 2 surgical techniques. Coclusion: The available evidence suggests that preserving the left colic artery is a safe, effective technique for patients with laparoscopic rectal cancer. nique for patients with laparoscopic rectal cancer.