Low-power laser irradiation fails to improve liver regeneration in elderly rats at 48 h after 70 % resection.

The liver regeneration is an important clinical issue after major hepatectomies. Unfortunately, many organs (including the liver) exhibit age-related impairments regarding their regenerative capacity. Recent studies found that low-power laser irradiation (LPLI) has a stimulatory effect on the liver regeneration process.

Retinyl-palmitate reduces liver fibrosis induced by biliary obstruction in rats.

Background/aims: The administration of retinoid in various experimental models of induced hepatic cirrhosis has shown antifibrogenic effects. The purpose of this study was to verify if vitamin A could interfere in hepatic fibrosis induced by biliary obstruction.

Methodology: Male Wistar rats that underwent biliary obstruction were treated 2 weeks before the surgery with a dose of 50 x 10(3) IU retinyl-palmitate, twice a week, and then given the dosage for 5 weeks following surgery.