Effects of Long-Acting Superoxide Dismutase on Liver Metabolism after Major Hepatic Resection in Rats with Cirrhosis

Abstract

The aim of this study is to clarify the liver metabolic changes after major hepatic resection. The survival rate after 70% hepatectomy of rats with cirrhosis was significantly depressed compared with that of the control group. Mitochondrial function in the cirrhotic liver was disturbed compared with the control group. Tissue levels of hypoxanthine and xanthine increased both in the cirrhotic group and the control group. The increase in xanthine levels was remarkable and was prolonged in the cirrhotic group compared with the control group. Decreases in adenine nucleotides were observed after resection both in normal and cirrhotic livers. These were remarkable and were prolonged in rats with cirrhosis. Administration of polyoxyethylene-modified superoxide dismutase improved the survival rate and lessened decreases in adenine nucleotide levels. Moreover, it accelerated the recoveries of serum glutamic oxaloacetic and pyruvic transaminase levels after resection in rats with cirrhosis. These results indicate that disturbances in energy metabolism and increases in oxygen free radical formation are more remarkable in the cirrhotic liver than in the normal liver, which contributes to a low survival rate in rats with cirrhosis.