Hepatic Reserves Research Articles

Infusion of CD133+ Bone Marrow–Derived Stem Cells After Selective Portal Vein Embolization Enhances Functional Hepatic Reserves After Extended Right Hepatectomy

This study was designed to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients undergoing portal vein embolization (PVE) and autologous CD133 bone marrow-derived stem cell (CD133+ BMSC) application before extended right hepatectomy. We have previously shown that portal venous infusion of CD133+ BMSCs substantially increases hepatic proliferation, when compared with PVE alone. : Among 40 consecutive patients with a median follow-up of 28 months (7.4-57.2) scheduled for extended right hepatectomy, we compared a preconditioned group with PVE and CD133+ BMSC cotreatment (PVE+SC group, n = 11) and a group pretreated only with PVE (PVE group, n = 11). Functional and overall outcomes after extended right hepatectomy were evaluated. Patients without presurgical treatment served as controls (n = 18). In preconditioned patients, mean hepatic growth of segments II/III 14 days after PVE in the PVE+SC group was significantly higher (138.66 mL ± 66.29) when compared with that of PVE group patients (62.95 mL ± 40.03; P = 0.004). There were no significant differences among all 3 groups regarding general and oncological characteristics and functional parameters on postoperative day (POD) 7. Lack of hepatic preconditioning, extrahepatic extension of resection, and postoperative complications were of negative prognostic value, using univariate analysis (P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, freedom from postoperative major complications (P = 0.012), coagulation status on POD 7 (international normalized ratio < 1.4; P = 0.027), and presurgical expansion of the future liver remnant volume (P = 0.048) were positively associated with overall survival. Post hoc analysis revealed a better survival for the PVE+SC group (P = 0.028) compared with the PVE group (P = 0.094) and compared with controls. Promising data from this survival analysis suggest that PVE, together with CD133+ BMSC pretreatment, could positively impact overall outcomes after extended right hepatectomy.

Use of antiviral therapy in surveillance: impact on outcome of hepatitis B‐related hepatocellular carcinoma

Antiviral therapy for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is frequently prescribed for patients with chronic HBV infection during surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In patients who subsequently develop HCC, the impact of antiviral therapy on the outcome of HCC remains unclear. We aimed to study the impact of antiviral therapy on the survival of patients who developed HCC. From two prospective surveillance cohorts, the use of antiviral therapy for patients with HCC was retrospectively reviewed. We compared the overall survival, liver function and tumour characteristics between patients with and without antiviral therapy during surveillance. Multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the independent prognostication of antiviral therapy. During a median follow-up of 10.1 years of 1429 patients, 148 cases of HCC were diagnosed and followed up for a median of 5.7 years. Twenty-nine patients were given antiviral therapy during surveillance and continued treatment after diagnosis of HCC. The median survival of this group of patients was better than the rest of cohorts (hazard ratio: 0.472; 95% CI: 0.25-0.89; P = 0.0191). Use of antiviral therapy remained an independent prognostic factor after adjustment for demographic factors and tumour staging on multivariate analysis. Exploratory analysis revealed that patients who commenced antiviral therapy during surveillance had lower HBV DNA, lower serum alanine transaminase, better hepatic reserves and higher rate of local treatment at diagnosis of HCC. This study provides evidence that commencement of antiviral therapy during the surveillance period is associated with improvement in overall survival in HBV-related HCC.

Beneficial effects of supplementation with branched-chain amino acids on postoperative bacteremia in living donor liver transplant recipients

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of preoperative oral supplementation with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) on postoperative bacteremia after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for chronic liver failure. Two hundred thirty-six patients who underwent adult-to-adult LDLT were evaluated in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those who received oral supplementation with BCAAs before transplantation (the BCAA group; n = 129) and those who did not (the non-BCAA group; n = 107). Before the LDLT indication was determined, BCAA supplementation was prescribed by a hepatologist to preserve hepatic reserves. The clinical characteristics and the incidence of bacteremia were compared between the 2 groups. As for clinical characteristics, the Child-Pugh scores (P = 0.0003) and the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores (P = 0.0008) were significantly higher in the BCAA group versus the non-BCAA group. The incidence of bacteremia for Child-Pugh class C patients was significantly lower in the BCAA group (6/90 or 6.7%) versus the non-BCAA group (11/50 or 22.0%, P = 0.0132). In a multivariate analysis, non-BCAA supplementation was an independent risk factor for bacteremia. In conclusion, preoperative BCAA supplementation might reduce the incidence of bacteremia after LDLT. Nevertheless, this is a preliminary report, and further studies, such as randomized, prospective studies, are necessary to clarify the beneficial effects of BCAA supplementation on postoperative bacteremia after liver transplantation.

Utilization of endogenous reserves and effects of starvation on the health of Prochilodus lineatus (Prochilodontidae)

Prochilodus lineatus Valenciennes (curimbata) is an important migratory Neotropical fish. It does not feed during spawning migration, and often survives after spawning. The mobilization of energy reserves and some effects of starvation (zero to eight weeks) on fish health were experimentally evaluated. Hepatic glycogen and lipids from the perivisceral fat bodies were the main reserves mobilized during the first four weeks of fasting. During this period, somatic indices and blood parameters showed that fish health was not significantly affected. However, after five weeks of food deprivation, the main energy reserves were depleted and the fish became anaemic. The loss of muscle mass indicates that protein breakdown was an important energy source after the reduction of hepatic and perivisceral reserves. Mortality was increasingly observed from seven weeks of starvation. Prior accumulation of high amounts of reserves is essential to allow movements for long distances during spawning migrations in this species.

Ramification of Glisson’s sheath peripheral branches and clinical implications in the era of local ablation therapy

Classical anatomical resection does not always guarantee tumor-free margins when the tumor overrides traditional anatomical planes. Surgeons and interventionists frequently need to focus on the peripheral branches of Glisson's sheath in patients with poor hepatic reserves, particularly when the tumor is deep seated. The present study used anatomical liver dissection to investigate the spatial distribution of the branches of Glisson's sheath in each of four liver sectors. Sixty-four adult human liver specimens were dissected. The size and ramification patterns of Glisson's sheath in each sector were analyzed in terms of bilateral homology within two paramedian sectors and within two lateral sectors. Each liver sector had a characteristic Glisson's sheath in terms of trunk shape and ramification pattern. The two paramedian sectors showed point symmetry. Most of the branches of the two paramedian sectors emerged from the top of a short stout trunk. Although the two paramedian sectors were similar in terms of basic configuration, the ramification axes were almost perpendicular to each other. Unlike the paramedian sectors, the two lateral sectors showed not much homology. The peripheral branches of Glisson's sheath were generally longer (approximately 5cm) and thicker than anticipated. Extirpation strategies should take into account that each liver sector has a characteristic Glisson's sheath ramification pattern.

Determinação de vitamina A no leite de mães doadoras do banco de leite humano (BLH) de Manaus/AM: efeito do processamento

Esse estudo teve como objetivo determinar os teores de vitamina A no Leite Humano Materno (LHM), de 50 mães doadoras do Banco de Leite Humano (BLH), da Maternidade Ana Braga, em Manaus-AM. As amostras foram coletadas semanalmente e mantidas congeladas até a pasteurização. As análises de retinol e β-caroteno no leite humano foram realizadas antes e após o tratamento (pasteurização), mediante o método cromatográfico. Foram retiradas alíquotas de 5 mL aproximadamente de leite de cada amostra. Os pesos dos bebês ao nascer das mães doadoras de leite incluídos no estudo foram &gt; 2500g. A concentração de vitamina A no leite tanto antes quanto após o processamento, não foram suficientes para suprir o requerimento (46,75 ± 6,28 μg/dL e 31,55 ± 8,29 μg/dL, respectivamente), de crianças que se alimentam exclusivamente do leite do BLH, notadamente as pré-termo, cujos requerimentos de vitamina A são maiores e a capacidade de ingerir leite é menor do que os nascidos a termo. A perda de vitamina A pelo processamento, em nosso estudo foi de 32,51%. Para garantir a formação de reservas hepáticas e a proteção contra deficiência de vitamina A, seriam necessárias concentrações dessa vitamina no leite superiores a 80 μg/dL.

Spontaneous healing of retroperitoneal chylous leakage following anterior lumbar spinal surgery: a case report and literature review

Cisterna chyli is prone to injury in any retroperitoneal surgery. However, retroperitoneal chylous leakage is a rare complication after anterior spinal surgery. To the best of our knowledge, only ten cases have been reported in the English literature. We present a case of a 49-year-old man who had lumbar metastasis and associated radiculopathy. He had transient retroperitoneal chylous leakage after anterior tumor decompression, interbody bony fusion, and instrumental fixation from L2 to L4. The leakage stopped spontaneously after we temporarily clamped the drain tube. Intraperitoneal ascites accumulation developed thereafter due to nutritional loss and impaired hepatic reserves. We gathered ten reported cases of chylous leak after anterior thoracolumbar or lumbar spinal surgery, and categorized all these cases into two groups, depending on the integrity of diaphragm. Six patients received anterior spinal surgery without diaphragm splitting. Postoperative chylous leak stopped after conservative treatment. Another five cases received diaphragm splitting in the interim of anterior spinal surgery. Chylous leakage stopped spontaneously in four patients. The remaining one had a chylothorax secondary to postop chyloretroperitoneum. It was resolved only after surgical intervention. In view of these cases, all the chylous leakage could be spontaneously closed without complications, except for one who had a secondary chylothorax and required thoracic duct ligation and chemopleurodesis. We conclude that intraoperative diaphragm splitting or incision does not increase the risk of secondary chylothorax if it was closed tightly at the end of the surgery and the chest tube drainage properly done.

The accumulation and synthesis of betaine in winter skate (Leucoraja ocellata)

The present study investigated aspects of betaine metabolism in an elasmobranch fish, the winter skate (Leucoraja ocellata). Based on the level of choline dehydrogenase (ChoDH) activity, the liver and kidney appear to be the major sites of betaine synthesis and the mitochondrial localization of ChoDH and betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) indicates that the metabolic organization of betaine synthesis in winter skate is similar to other vertebrates. Food deprivation did not affect white muscle betaine content, and prolonged starvation (70 days) appeared to decrease the total hepatic betaine synthetic capacity. There was no decrease in ChoDH or BADH activity at the mitochondrial level with starvation, suggesting any decrease is due to catabolism of hepatic reserves rather than downregulation of betaine synthesis. Skates fed a high betaine diet (frozen squid approximately 55 micromol g(-1)) had elevated white muscle betaine content compared to those fed a low betaine diet (frozen herring <2 micromol g(-1)); however, high dietary betaine intake did not affect the activity of betaine synthesizing enzymes in liver. Acclimation to elevated salinity (120 and 130% seawater) did not result in an increase in white muscle betaine content. Taken as a whole, the present data suggest that diet is a major determinant of muscle betaine in the winter skate and that betaine is of marginal importance as an intracellular osmolyte in this species.

The Effects of Amniotic Nutrient Administration, "In ovo Feeding" of Arginine And/or β-Hydroxy- Betβ-Methyl Butyrate (HMB) on Insulin-like Growth Factors, Energy Metabolism and Growth in Turkey Poults

In ovo feeding (IOF), injecting nutrients into the amnion, may improve growth performance by enhancing circulating IGF’s and glycogen reserves. To test this hypothesis 400 Hybrid® turkey eggs were injected into the amnion with 1.5 ml saline solutions consisting of 4 IOF formulation treatments consisting of a factorial arrangement of 2 levels of arginine (ARG 0 or 0.7%) and 2 levels of HMB (0 or 0.1%) at 23 days (d) of incubation. At hatch, poults were fed ad libitum and bodyweights (BW), organ weights, total liver and pectoralis muscle (PM) glycogen were taken at hatch 3, 7, 10, and 14 d. Additionally, hepatic glucose-6phosphatase (G6P) activity was determined at hatch and 7 d. Heparinized blood samples were taken at hatch, 3 d, 7 d and 14 d and plasma was analyzed for IGF-I and IGF-II levels using an acid-ethanol extraction method. Although arginine had no affect on BW, there were significant main effects of HMB on increased BW from hatch through 14 d. Plasma IGF-I levels were significantly enhanced at hatch, 3 and 7 d in poults in ovo fed both ARG and HMB, but not when either factor was independent. Significant ARG X HMB effects were observed on IGF-II at hatch, 3d and 7d: without ARG, IGF-II was decreased by HMB, but it increased when added with ARG. All in ovo treatments increased G6P at hatch, while, G6P was depressed by HMB or ARG alone at 7 d. Total hepatic glycogen was increased only at hatch by HMB or ARG, but their effects were not additive as indicated by a significant ARG X HMB effect. In ovo administration of HMB and arginine enhances hepatic liver reserves, which may provide the fuel needed for rapid subsequent growth during the critical post-hatch period.

Good Tolerance of Weekly Irinotecan in a Patient with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer on Chronic Hemodialysis

Pharmacokinetic properties of many antineoplastic agents or their metabolites change with organ dysfunction. Unfortunately, chemotherapy doses determined in phase I and II studies in patients with normal hepatic and renal reserves are not usually applicable to those with hepatic and/or renal dysfunction. Considering the high incidence of colorectal adenocarcinoma, it is not unusual for a colorectal cancer patient to be on chronic hemodialysis.We report a patient with metastatic colorectal cancer on chronic hemodialysis who tolerated weekly irinotecan at 50 mg/m2 well without significant toxicity. We briefly discuss therapeutic dose modification in such patients.

GROWTH IN ARCTIC UNGULATES: POSTNATAL DEVELOPMENT AND ORGAN MATURATION IN RANGIFER TARANDUS AND OVIBOS MOSCHATUS

Young arctic ungulates must grow quickly to use forages available during brief summers. We measured growth and organ maturation in Rangifer tarandus (reindeer, caribou) and Ovibos moschatus (muskoxen) at 3 stages: the neonatal period (1–30 days), during transition from milk to plants (30–60 days), and at maturity. Although reindeer provided greater maternal investment than muskoxen in utero (6.9% compared with 4.8% maternal mass), both species grew at similar rates (0.002 compared with 0.005 day−1). High thyroid secretion and large hepatic lipid reserves in neonates indicated high rates of energy metabolism for thermogenesis and use of nutrients sequestered in utero. Mass gains during the neonatal period were associated with large gastric abomasa that would allow young ungulates to digest milk soon after birth. Body growth continued during transition to forage (60 days of age), which was accompanied by expansion of rumen, small intestine, and colon. Growth and organ maturation of arctic ungulates, therefore, emphasizes maternal investment in utero and the duration of growth, with little variation in growth rate during both neonatal and transitional phases.

Detection of vitamin A deficiency in Brazilian preschool children using the serum 30-day dose-response test.

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is endemic in Brazil and health professionals have difficulty in recognizing its subclinical form. In addition, serum retinol concentrations do not always represent vitamin A status in the organism. To identify VAD in preschool children by the serum 30-day dose-response test (+S30DR) and to examine its potential as a tool for the assessment of vitamin A status in the community. A prospective transverse study in which blood samples were obtained from 188 preschool children for the determination of serum retinol concentrations and the children were submitted to ocular inspection and anthropometric measurements. Information about the presence of diarrhea and/or fever during the 15 days preceding the study was also obtained. The children received an oral dose of 200,000 IU vitamin A immediately after the first blood collection. A second blood sample was obtained 30-45 days after supplementation in order to determine the +S30DR. In all, 74.5% (140/188; 95% confidence interval: 68.3-80.7%) of the children presented +S30DR values indicative of low hepatic reserves. The mean serum retinol concentration was significantly lower before supplementation (0.92 and 1.65 micromol/l, respectively; P < 0.0001). No child presented xerophthalmia; 3.7% (7/188) of the children were malnourished. The presence of fever and/or diarrhea during the 15 days preceding the first blood collection did not affect the +S30DR value. The prevalence of VAD in the study group was elevated. +S30DR proved to be a good indicator of subclinical VAD in children from an underdeveloped country.

Physiological Responses of Juvenile Rainbow Trout to Fasting and Swimming Activity: Effects on Body Composition and Condition Indices

The physiological traits that allow fish to survive periods of limited food resources are poorly understood. We assessed changes in proximate body composition, relative organ mass, blood metabolites, and relative weight (Wr) of sedentary and actively swimming (15 cm/s) juvenile rainbow trout (154–182 mm total length) over 147 d of fasting. Fasting caused measurable responses that were augmented when fish were swimming. Lipids and plasma triacylglycerides declined over time. Proteins were catabolized simultaneously with lipid reserves, but ammonia concentrations in plasma did not increase. The liver somatic index (LSI) did not change substantially over 105 d, suggesting that gluconeogenesis maintained blood glucose concentrations and hepatic glycogen reserves for a substantial period of fasting. The gut somatic index (GSI) and Wr declined linearly during fasting, but the LSI did not decline until after 105 d of fasting. Consequently, the use of different body condition indices could lead to different conclusions about the condition of juvenile rainbow trout. Swimming activity caused fish to have lower lipid and protein reserves than those of sedentary fish. No mortalities were observed among sedentary fish, but mortalities occurred among actively swimming fish after 97 d of fasting when 3.2% or less lipid remained in their bodies. Body condition indices did not account for differences in proximate body composition between sedentary and actively swimming fish and were relatively poor predictors of lipid content and risk of mortality. The probability of mortality was most accurately predicted by percent lipid content. Therefore, we suggest that fisheries scientists consider using percent lipid content when evaluating the physiological status and risk of mortality due to starvation among juvenile rainbow trout.

Reproductive indices and fecundity of Helicolenus dactylopterus dactylopterus (Teleostei: Scorpaenidae) in the Catalan Sea (western Mediterranean)

Various indices related to reproduction and the fecundity of Helicolenus dactylopterus dactylopterus (Teleostei: Scorpaenidae) were analysed. Sexual dimorphism does not occur in the population we studied and the sex ratio is always equal. The size of the species at sexual maturity is a standard length of 130 mm for males and 145 mm for females. The maximum gonadosomatic index values for males and females are temporally out of phase to a large degree, which explains the intra-ovarian storage of spermatozoa that occurs in this species. There are large hepatic reserves which are basically used in the synthesis of vitellogenin, while the mesentery fat reserves are not mobilized until the end of the maturation process of the oocytes. Multiple spawning takes place between January and February, consisting of between 11,000 and 87,000 eggs, of about 500 μm in diameter. The fecundity of the species is, with a high degree of correlation, determined by the size and weight of the individuals.

The effects of long‐term food deprivation on respiration and haematology of the neotropical fish Hoplias malabaricus

Growth of adult traíras Hoplias malabaricus ceased and body mass (M) decreased during starvation periods of 30, 60, 90, 150, 180 and 240 days. Hepatic reserves were mobilized in fish starved for 30 days, but liver mass of fish starved for longer periods was not significantly different from those starved for 30 days. Perivisceral fat bodies were consumed gradually, being completely exhausted after 240 days of food deprivation. Length of starvation was associated with a significant decrease in the oxygen uptake (V o2). In spite of this reduction, the respiratory frequency (fR) was kept nearly constant during the starvation periods. The haematocrit and the number of red blood cells decreased after 150 and 240 days of starvation, respectively. These parameters did not recover after refeeding (after 90 and 240 days of starvation). This hypometabolic state in response to food deprivation contributed to energy conservation during these periods. Traíras can survive food deprivation for periods of up to 180 days without reductions in metabolism and when they do become hypometabolic, normal metabolic rates are rapidly restored upon refeeding.

Application of Isotope Dilution Technique in Vitamin A Nutrition

The isotope dilution technique involving deuterated retinol has been developed to quantitatively estimate total body reserves of vitamin A in humans. The technique provided good estimates in comparison to hepatic vitamin A concentrations in Bangladeshi surgical patients. Kinetic studies in the United States, Bangladesh, and Guatemala indicated the mean equilibration time of 17 to 20 days irrespective of the size of hepatic reserves. Due to the controversy surrounding the efficacy of a carotene-rich diet on improvement of vitamin A status, the isotope dilution technique was proposed to pursue this research question further (IAEA's coordinated research program). In the Philippines, schoolchildren with low serum retinol concentrations showed significant improvement in total body vitamin A stores following intake of carotene-rich foods (orange fruits and vegetables), using a three-day deuterated-retinol-dilution procedure. When Chinese kindergarten children were fed green and yellow vegetables during the winter, their total body vitamin A stores were sustained as compared to a steady decline of vitamin A stores in the control children. Likewise, daily consumption of purified beta-carotene or diet rich in provitamin A carotenoids were shown to prevent a loss in total body vitamin A stores among Thai lactating women during the rice-planting season. These studies demonstrate potentials of the isotope dilution technique to evaluate the impact of provitamin A carotenoid intervention programs.

Management of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage.

Endoscopic therapy is the first treatment modality in the management algorithm of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage. In treating bleeding peptic ulcers, diluted epinephrine is first injected followed by targeted treatment to the vessel. Combination therapy adding thermocoagulation or thrombin/fibrin products has been shown to further improve the rate of haemostasis. There is also some evidence to suggest that adjuvant use of optimal acid suppression using high-dose proton pump inhibitors can reduce recurrent bleeding after initial endoscopic control. In treating acute variceal haemorrhage, early administration of vasoactive agents facilitates endoscopic treatment. These drugs should be continued during and after endoscopic therapy to prevent recurrent in-hospital bleeding. Firm evidence exists to date that band ligation is the endoscopic treatment of choice in the acute control of bleeding varices and their secondary prophylaxis against recurrent bleeding. The role of band ligation as primary prophylaxis for first bleeding remains controversial. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts are used as a rescue procedure when endoscopic treatment fails. In selected patients with recurrent variceal haemorrhage and good hepatic reserves, surgical shunts may be indicated.

The effect of glycerol dissolved in the rearing water on the transition to exotrophy in gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata larvae

The effects of glycerol added to seawater at different concentrations were tested in monocultures of Chlorella minutissima and Brachionus plicatilis in mixed cultures of these two species and on starved or fed Sparus aurata larvae. Glycerol enhanced the growth of Chlorella and seemed to indirectly benefit the rotifers that feed on it. Its beneficial effect on gilthead sea bream prelarvae and larvae resulted in glycogen accumulation in the liver and absence of signs of cholestasis-like pathology. This effect varied according to the glycerol concentration in the water, to its addition timing and to light and feeding conditions. The gluconeogenic origin of the hepatic glycogen reserves is discussed, together with the mediating role of the food chain in glycerol larval assimilation.

GLYCOGEN UTILIZATION PATTERN DURING PROLONGED RUNNING USING13 C-GLUCOSE LABELING IN THE DIET.

1406 This study was conducted to determine endogenous glucose oxidation during prolonged running following a carbohydrate (CHO) diet labeled with 13C. Six male runners (VO2max, 60.0±2.2 ml·kg-1·min-1) performed two 120-min treadmill exercises (65% maximal speed; 69±2 VO2max). A first exercise was performed following an overnight fast and a light breakfast, and was followed by a cycling bout of exercise to exhaustion (Trial A). Then, over the next 48 hrs, subjects ingested a high (CHO) diet (1250 g, 90% CHO) artifically labeled with 13C-glucose and then performed a second exercise (Trial B). The average VO2, energy cost, and protein oxidation were significantly(p<0.05) lower in trial B than A (2.85±0.10 vs. 2.93±0.10 L·min-1; 14.38±0.38 vs. 14.72±0.50 kcal·min-1 and 0.07±0.001 vs. 0.11±0.008 g·min-1 respectively). Results from indirect calorimetry (IC), show no differences for fat and total CHO oxidations between trials (fat, 0.52±0.08 vs. 0.49±0.07; CHO, 2.34±0.23 vs. 2.38±0.24 g·min-1 in trials A and B respectively). Calculations of CHO oxidation from expired 13VCO2 was similar to that derived from IC: 1st hr, 1.19±0.10 vs 1.26±0.10 g·min-1; 2nd hr, 1.03±0.21 vs 1.12±0.13 g·min-1 for 13VCO2 and IC respectively. These results indicate that hepatic and muscle glycogen reserves can be adequately labeled with 13C-CHO with an exercise-diet regimen.

Glycogen metabolites and meat quality in feed-restricted re-fed beef heifers

Twenty-four Hereford crossbred heifers weighing 222 kg (22 kg SD) and aged 226 d (13 d SD) on day 0 were used to investigate the effects of feed restriction (period 1) followed by realimentation (period 2) on hepatic and longissimus muscle glycogen metabolites and meat quality. The heifers were randomly assigned in equal numbers to either ad libitum feeding (ADLIB) or maintenance feeding for 92 d followed by realimentation (REST), and serially slaughtered over a wide range of liveweights (200–460 kg). The concentrations of glycogen, its metabolites, and the total glucidic potential (GP) were determined from portions of the caudate lobe of the liver and the longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle. Meat quality assessment of the longissimus thoracis (LT) was done by objective means. Hepatic glycogen concentration was lower (P = 0.05) in REST than in ADLIB heifers, and GP tended to show a similar pattern (P = 0.07). There were no significant differences in the concentrations of glycogen or its metabolites in the LL of REST compared with ADLIB heifers. However, the heifers slaughtered during period 1 had lower muscle glycogen (P = 0.04) and higher lactate (P &lt; 0.01) concentrations than those slaughtered during period 2. REST heifers had lighter slaughter weights resulting in smaller ribeye areas (P = 0.03), lower intramuscular fat concentration (P &lt; 0.01) and higher moisture content (P &lt; 0.01). Independent of slaughter weight, REST heifers had higher drip loss (P = 0.05) and lower L * (P = 0.01) than ADLIB heifers. These results suggest that feed restriction affects hepatic glycogen reserves and also has minor effects on meat quality traits in beef heifers. However, there was no indication that meat from REST heifers had severe quality defects such as DFD (dark, firm, dry) meat. Key words: Feed restriction, realimentation, longissimus muscle, liver, glucidic potential, meat quality