Affiliation:
1. Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgical Science Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi Gunma Japan
2. Division of Integrated Oncology Research Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR) Maebashi Gunma Japan
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundSarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. As reported in previous studies, the loss of skeletal muscle mass is associated with poor liver regeneration after hepatectomy. It is considered important to clarify the effect of sarcopenia on liver regeneration; however, there are no reports about model animals for sarcopenia. We focused on the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator‐1alpha (PGC‐1α) transgenic mice that overexpressed PGC‐1α, specifically for skeletal muscle, and showed significant atrophy of type 2B fiber‐rich muscles like sarcopenia.MethodsWe performed 70% hepatectomy using PGC‐1α transgenic mice and examined the liver regeneration rate and the effects of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) after hepatectomy.ResultsLiver regeneration after 70% hepatectomy was significantly suppressed in the PGC‐1α transgenic mice. In addition, a decrease in the blood BCAA concentration and a decrease in the liver glycogen content after 70% hepatectomy were observed in the PGC‐1α transgenic mice. By administering BCAA before and after surgery, it was clarified that a significant increase in the blood BCAA concentration was observed and the liver regeneration rate was improved in the PGC‐1α transgenic mice.ConclusionsBCAA administration may improve the suppression of liver regeneration in patients with sarcopenia.
Funder
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science