Hydrogen-rich Saline Prevents Small-for-size Syndrome-induced Liver Injury After Partial Hepatectomy In Rats

Background/Aims: Small-for-size syndrome after major surgery, such as massivehepatectomy, induces liver dysfunction, occasionally leading to acute liver failure anddeath.We demonstrated the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and functionalmechanisms of Hydrogen-rich saline (HS), a novel antioxidant, on an experimental model ofSmall-for-size syndrome after partial hepatectomy(PH) in rats. Methods: Rats wereunderwent90%hepatectomy. HS was given intraperitoneally after operation and every8hours after operation respectively. Results: HS markedly improved the survival rate of twoexperimental groups rats after massive hepatectomy and inhibited increases in serum levels ofTBIL,DBIL,ALT and AST. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that HS preventedinflammatory changes in the liver.HS administration markedly lowered Small-for-sizesyndrome-induced elevation of serum HA concentration.HS inhibited the formation of one ofthe markers of oxidative damage, malondialdehyde(MDA) and increased the activities ofSuperoxide dismutase(SOD) in liver tissue.Increases in inflammatory cytokines,such asTNF-α,IL-6and HMGB-1in liver tissue were inhibited in the HS-treated group. NF-κB p65staining revealed that HS inhibited the activation of the transcription factor,nuclearfactor-kappa B (NF-kB). Conclusions: HS prevents Small-for-size syndrome-induced liverinjury after massive hepatectomy not only by attenuating oxidative damage, but also byreducing the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α,IL-6and HMGB-1, inpart through the inhibition of NF-kB activation.