Evaluation of liver regeneration with use of diet supplemented with l-arginine

Abstract

Purpose: To compare controlled liver regeneration in rats submitted to 60% hepatic resection having Larginine supplemented diet, based on weight changes of the regenerated liver, laboratory parameters of liver function and pathological findings. Methods: Thirty-six rats were divided into two groups, control and Larginine. The first received standard chow and saline solution by gavage. The second had supplementation with Larginine. Animals were killed on postoperative period at 24h, 72h and seven days. For analysis of liver regeneration was used Kwon formula for weight, laboratory tests and mitosis. Results: Weight, showed no benefit with Larginine supplementation; however, intergroup comparison in the first 24h observed positive effect on supplementation (p=0.008). Alkaline phosphatase was increased in Larginine group (p<0.04). The number of mitoses showed no difference between the two groups; however, in the first 24 hours, the supplemented group had higher number of mitoses within the groups (p=0.03). Conclusion: Supplementation with Larginine did not show benefits in liver regeneration; however, supplemented group in the first 24 hours showed benefits over 72 hours and seven days of the evaluation by weight gain and number of mitosis.