Liver regeneration after hepatectomy is significantly suppressed in a muscular atrophy mouse model.

Background: Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. As reported in previous studies, the loss of skeletal muscle mass is associated with poor liver regeneration after hepatectomy. It is considered important to clarify the effect of sarcopenia on liver regeneration; however, there are no reports about model animals for sarcopenia. We focused on the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α) transgenic mice that overexpressed PGC-1α, specifically for skeletal muscle, and showed significant atrophy of type 2B fiber-rich muscles like sarcopenia.

Methods: We performed 70% hepatectomy using PGC-1α transgenic mice and examined the liver regeneration rate and the effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) after hepatectomy.

Results: Liver regeneration after 70% hepatectomy was significantly suppressed in the PGC-1α transgenic mice. In addition, a decrease in the blood BCAA concentration and a decrease in the liver glycogen content after 70% hepatectomy were observed in the PGC-1α transgenic mice. By administering BCAA before and after surgery, it was clarified that a significant increase in the blood BCAA concentration was observed and the liver regeneration rate was improved in the PGC-1α transgenic mice.

Conclusions: BCAA administration may improve the suppression of liver regeneration in patients with sarcopenia.