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Research review: DNA polymerases as molecular markers of the regenerating capacity of hepatocytes
Author(s) -
Takeuchi Eiji,
Nimura Yuji,
Mizuno Shinichi,
Suzuki Hideaki,
Iyomasa Shinsuke,
Terasaki Masaki,
Kuriki Hiroshi,
TamiyaKoizumi Keiko,
Yoshida Shonen
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of hepato‐biliary‐pancreatic surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.63
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1868-6982
pISSN - 0944-1166
DOI - 10.1007/bf02489022
Subject(s) - liver regeneration , regeneration (biology) , dna polymerase , hepatectomy , hepatocyte , biology , ligation , dna , dna replication , dna synthesis , cholestasis , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , surgery , endocrinology , medicine , in vitro , resection
Hepatocyte regeneration has been widely investigated, with the mitotic index and the incorporation of [ 3 H]thymidine being used as regeneration markers. We focused on the induction of DNA replication enzymes, particularly DNA polymerases (pol) α, δ, and ε. Using rat models, we have shown that the activity of pol α in crude liver extract well represents the regenerating capacity of hepatocytes. Using pol α as an indicator, we analyzed liver regeneration in rat models under various conditions: obstructive jaundice, external or internal biliary drainage, and the obstruction of portal vein branches. It has been revealed that the ligation of the common bile duct alone induces a certain amount of hepatocyte proliferation. It was striking that external biliary drainage suppressed regeneration capacity in cholestatic rat liver after partial hepatectomy. The strong regeneration in nonligated lobes induced by portal branch ligation was similar to the liver regeneration seen after partial hepatectomy with respect to the induction of DNA polymerases. Taken together, the aspects of DNA replication, particularly the induction of DNA polymerases, may contribute to shedding new light on the regeneration of human liver.