Impaired liver regeneration is associated with reduced cyclin B1 in natural killer T cell-deficient mice.

Background: It has been shown that the proportion of natural killer T cells is markedly elevated during liver regeneration and their activation under different conditions can modulate this process. As natural killer T cells and liver injury are central in liver regeneration, elucidating their role is important.

Methods: The aim of the current study is to explore the role of natural killer T cells in impaired liver regeneration.

Impaired liver regeneration by β-glucosylceramide is associated with decreased fat accumulation.

Objective: To investigate the effect of β-glucosylceramide (GC), a natural glycolipid, on hepatic fat accumulation and regenerative response after partial hepatectomy (PH).

Methods: Male C57Bl/6 mice were assigned to either 70% PH or sham surgery after receiving daily intraperitoneal injection of GC or vehicle for 3 days. Hepatic fat accumulation, cytokines, cell cycle proteins and adipogenic genes expression were assessed at various time points after PH.

Beta-glycosphingolipids improve glucose intolerance and hepatic steatosis of the Cohen diabetic rat.

A link between altered levels of various gangliosides and the development of insulin resistance was described in transgenic mice. Naturally occurring glycosphingolipids were shown to exert immunomodulatory effects in a natural killer T (NKT) cell-dependent manner. This study examined whether glycosphingolipid-induced modulation of the immune system may reduce pancreatic and liver steatosis and stimulate insulin secretion in the Cohen diabetes-sensitive (CDS) rat, a lean model of non-insulin-resistant, nutritionally induced diabetes.