Liver regeneration: focus on cell types and topographic differences

Abstract

Background/aims: The liver has a remarkable capacity to regenerate after injury or resection. The aim of the current review is to outline the morphological changes at the cellular level and the intralobular differences during the regenerative response after partial hepatectomy.

Methods: Relevant studies were reviewed using the Medline database.

Results: At 24 h after partial hepatectomy, many alterations between the periportal and pericentral regions of the hepatic lobule occur, which coincide with the peak of hepatocellular proliferation in the periportal areas. Questions unanswered involve the precise role of Kupffer cells and whether the regenerative process is characterized by a net increase in the number of lobules or by an increase in the size of the existing lobules.

Conclusions: Liver regeneration has been studied for many years, but further research is essential, since in-depth knowledge of the mechanisms that govern the regenerative process may expand the treatment options in patients with hepatic disease.