Liver innervation and hepatic function: new insights.

The hepatic nervous system has a well-known impact on the regulation of liver function and organism homeostasis. The aim of this review is to summarize the new available data regarding the role of hepatic nerves. In the last decade, studies have shown that hepatic nerves exert subtle but significant modifications on the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, food intake, and liver regeneration.

Liver regeneration: immunohistochemical study of intrinsic hepatic innervation after partial hepatectomy in rats.

Background: We examined the intrinsic hepatic innervation after partial hepatectomy (PH) in rats and the presence and pattern of neural sprouting in regenerating liver.

Methods: Male Wistar rats (age 9-13 weeks-w, weight 204-356 g), were submitted to two-thirds PH. Rats were sacrificed at postoperative days (d) 1, 3, 5, 7, at 2 and 4 w, and at 3 and 6 months (m) (6-7 animals/group, control group n = 4).

Proteasome inhibitors: possible novel therapeutic strategy for ischemia-reperfusion injury?

Introduction: The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is responsible for the degradation of misfolded or damaged proteins, regulating inflammatory processes and cell cycle progression. The aim of this article is to summarize the currently available data regarding the possible utility of proteasome inhibitors (PIs) in the treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI).

Areas Covered: Data were reviewed from the published literature using the Medline database.

Liver regeneration: focus on cell types and topographic differences.

Background/aims: The liver has a remarkable capacity to regenerate after injury or resection. The aim of the current review is to outline the morphological changes at the cellular level and the intralobular differences during the regenerative response after partial hepatectomy.

Methods: Relevant studies were reviewed using the Medline database.