The Role of Plasma Lipid Levels as Markers of Recovery of Liver Function after Hepatectomy

Aims: Currently there is not a single conventional marker to reliably assess liver function recovery after hepatectomy. Our aim was to investigate the potential role of circulating lipid levels as markers of liver function recovery.
The study was conducted in the experimental laboratory of the Aretaieion Hospital.
Methodology: 48 male Wistar rats (240-350g) were assigned in 2 groups; the sham operated group (A=21) and the 70% hepatectomy group (B=27). There were 3 subgroups according to the day the animals were killed (1st, 3rd and 7th postoperative day [PO]). We measured the levels of AST, ALT, albumin, total protein, triglycerides, HDL and cholesterol in plasma and correlated them with the steps of liver regeneration
Results: Significant differences between the groups were observed in the levels of HDL (P=0.001) and cholesterol (P=0.001) on the 1st PO day, and in triglycerides (P=0.045) on the 7th PO day.
Conclusion: Cholesterol, and in a lesser degree HDL levels seem to reflect well liver function recovery after hepatectomy. In this experiment they were more sensitive than albumin in assessing the deterioration of liver function as well as the subsequent recovery during regeneration hence they may represent a more accurate marker of liver function. Rise in plasma triglyceride levels reflect the completion of the regenerative process.