Objectives:
To investigate the results of exhaustive exercise on hepatocyte hyperplasia in an animal experiment consisting of partial hepatectomy.
Materials and Methods:
The experimental study was conducted with 24 Wistar Albino rats weighing between 225 and 275. Whereas exhaustive exercise was performed twice after 70% hepatectomy in the experimental group (n=12); the control group (n=12) did not perform an exercise. Then, rats underwent total hepatectomy 72 hours after partial hepatectomy. Groups were compared in terms of regeneration index, regenerative changes in hepatocytes, mitosis, and Ki-67 staining levels.
Results:
The groups were similar at baseline (at the time of 70% liver resection) regarding regenerative changes, mitosis count, and Ki-67. Regeneration index after exercise were 2.02±0.40 in the experimental group; and 2.42±0.21 in the control group (p=0.007). There was no difference between the groups in terms of regenerative scores (p=0.842) and Ki-67 staining (p=0.200) measured after total hepatectomy. However, mitosis was lower in the experimental group than the control group (11.5 vs. 26.0; p=0.010).
Conclusion:
It was showed that effect of exhaustive exercise on liver regeneration is negative according to mitosis count and liver mass increase but did not affect histologic changes of regeneration and Ki-67 staining. Blood tests and detailed immunohistochemical studies may reveal mechanisms of effect of exercise on liver cell hyperplasia and its potential clinical benefits.
Keywords: Exercise, Liver, Regeneration
