Tcm Decoction for Restoration Inhibits Hepatic Swelling and Regeneration after Partial Hepatectomy via VEGF-A and PROX1 Downregulation in the Residual Liver Tissue

Abstract

Objective: To explore the molecular mechanism by which ‘traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoction for restoration’ (‘TCM decoction’) affects swelling and pain elimination, by assessing its effects on hepatic swelling and regeneration after partial hepatectomy. Methods: A total of 160 mice were randomized into control and TCM decoction treatment groups. The control animals underwent partial liver resection of left lateral lobe, while the TCM decoction treatment group received oral administration of the decoction by gavage (10 g/kg), twice a day, after the same surgery administered to the control group. Ten mice in each group were sacrificed every other day from postoperative day 1 to 8. VEGF-A and PROX1 protein expression levels were evaluated. Results: Swelling and degeneration of residual liver tissue were significantly alleviated by TCM decoction at the early stage of surgical injury, and subsequent hepatic regeneration was significantly inhibited as well. Interestingly, VEGF-A and PROX1 expression levels in residual liver tissue were also significantly reduced by TCM decoction. Conclusion: Swelling and degeneration of residual liver tissue are significantly alleviated, with hepatic regeneration inhibited by TCM decoction after partial hepatectomy, through VEGF-A and PROX1 downregulation.