Pentoxifylline and thalidomide fail to reduce hepatic steatosis during total parenteral nutrition and bowel rest in the rat.

Background: We suggested that the continuous translocation of endotoxin from Gram-negative bacterial overgrowth during bowel rest and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) causes the release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), resulting in liver damage and hepatic dysfunction. Because TPN-induced hepatic steatosis was significantly reduced by the monoclonal antibodies against TNF, we attempted a more clinically applicable approach using pentoxifylline and thalidomide.

Methods: A control group (group I) fed rat chow and four groups of rats receiving TPN were studied. Group II received TPN only; group III, TPN and 100 mg/kg/d pentoxifylline; group IV, TPN and 200 mg/kg/d pentoxifylline; and group V, TPN and 5 mg/kg/d thalidomide. On day 7, total liver fat was determined.

Results: Bowel rest and TPN resulted in a significant (p < .0005) increase in liver fat content that was unaltered by either pentoxifylline or thalidomide.

Conclusions: Our results show no role for pentoxifylline or thalidomide in reducing TPN-associated hepatic steatosis.