Structural and functional aspects of regeneration of human liver

Abstract

Regeneration of human liver was long suspected to occur. It was proven in animals 100 years ago but could not be demonstrated in man until liver biopsy and modern hepatic tests became available. Structural changes in the regenerating liver mainly concern the arrangement of liver cell plates and the size and appearance of hepatocytic nuclei. A return to normalcy in test results depends on the factors responsible for regeneration since various test results change at different rates. Mass, estimated by imaging procedures, is restored parallel with the return of function. Shape is not restored but the pressure of neighboring organs and structures molds the growing remnant so that it almost resembles the original. Factors regulating regeneration in man are beginning to be recognized as they have been in animals. The hope is that regeneration can be accelerated or that cells can be transplanted to replace those lost.

The Use of Flow Cytometric DNA Ploidy Analysis of Liver Biopsies in Liver Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

“…We showed that the cellular DNA contents were insignificant relation with activity of cirrhosis (El-Sayed et al, 2004), which is in www.intechopen.com agreement with Lin et al, (1990). Moreover, active cirrhosis was significantly (P<0.05) associated with a higher PI (S + G2M phases) than diploid cases with inactive cirrhosis and my due to liver response to cell injury (Pahlavan et al, 2006;Schaffner 1991). The value of detecting these cellular DNA changes in liver cirrhosis by FCM is of prognostic value in regards to early detection of preneoplastic changes in liver cirrhosis were found to be at increased risk of developing HCC (Clemente et al, 2007;Ruà et al, 1996;Tarao et al, 1994b).…”

The extremely slow and variable activity of dihydrofolate reductase in human liver and its implications for high folic acid intake

“…Mitotic figures present in nonregenerating adult rat liver range from about 1 to 3 per 1,000 cells (38). On the other hand, only 1 mitotic figure in 10,000 to 100,000 cells is found in normal human liver (39). Thus, the ratio of DHFR activity in rat and human liver roughly parallels their relative hepatic cellular replacement rates.…”

Hepatitis B injury, male gender, aflatoxin, and p53 expression each contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis in transgenic mice†

“…Cell division is rare in the normal adult liver of animals and humans, where only one hepatocyte in approximately 10,000 to 100,000 may be dividing at any time. 42,43 Therefore an increase in hepatocyte proliferation resulting FIG. 6.…”