Hepatic regeneration is decreased in a rat model of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Oxaliplatin is a chemotherapeutic drug for colorectal adenocarcinoma able to extend the indications for resection of colorectal liver metastases. However, the drug may severely injure hepatic sinusoids, inducing a sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in non-tumoral parenchyma with a risk of decreased regeneration in the remnant liver following partial hepatectomy. METHODS: We then investigated the evolution of hepatic functions and liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy in rats with sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. The sinusoidal obstruction syndrome was induced with a single intragastric administration of monocrotaline (MCT). RESULTS: MCT administration induced obstruction of the hepatic microcirculation and increased portal pressure, hepatic VEGF expression, and Ki67 positive hepatocytes. A mild cholestasis was present without modification of hepatic tests. Following a 70% hepatectomy, liver regeneration was significantly impaired by MCT administration and this impaired regeneration was associated with hepatocellular injury evidenced 1 week after hepatectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome impairs hepatic regeneration in this rat model of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome