Analysis of VEGF and TGF-β1 in time-phased rat liver regeneration

Abstract

Objective To explored vascular epithelium growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression profiles in rat liver regeneration after selective portal vein embolization (SPVE).Methods The SPVE model was constructed by embolization of the left portal vein and regenerative liver tissues were collected in postoperative days 1-9.Fifty of the SD rats were divided into the SPVE group (45 rats) and control group (5 rats).The expressions of VEGF and TGF-β1 in regenerative rat liver tissues were detected with immunohistochemistry and Western blot.The relationship between VEGF/TGF-β1 and time-phased rat liver regeneration was analyzed.Results In the SPVE group compared to the control group,the expression of VEGF increased from post operative day 1 to 5,peaking at day 5.The expression of TGF-β1 increased from post operative day 3 to 7,peaking at day 7.Conclusions The results suggest that after SPVE,VEGF fluctuation may correlate with the start of hepatic regeneration,and TGF-β1 fluctuation may correlate with the termination of hepatic regeneration. Key words: Portal vein embolization; Liver regeneration; Vascular epithelium growth factor; Transforming growth factor-β1