[Influence of semi-hepatectomy on levels of cytokine, insulin and thyroxin in serum].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the influence of semi-hepatectomy on levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), insulin growth factor (IGF), thyroxin (TT(3), TT(4)) and insulin (INS) in serum.

METHODS

Sixty healthy male rabbits were randomized into two groups: semi-hepatectomy group and control group, and the latter group received sham operation. Levels of serum IL-2, TNF, IGF, TT(3), TT(4) and INS were determined 1 day before operation and 24 hours, 1 week and 4 weeks after operation.

RESULTS

The IL-2 level in semi-hepatectomy group was elevated significantly at 24 hours after operation (P<0.01), then dropped to the level lower than that before the operation 1 week after operation, and then increased gradually to preoperative level 4 weeks later. The levels of TNF lowered 24 hours after operation (P<0.05), then began to rise, and became significantly higher than control group 4 weeks after operation (P<0.01). The levels of TT(3) and TT(4) significantly lowered 24 hours after operation and recovered gradually 1 week after operation (both P<0.01) until to the preoperative levels 4 weeks later. TT(3) recovered especially significantly. The level of INS and IGF elevated significantly 24 hours after operation and reached its peak level 1 week after operation (both P<0.01), then recovered to the preoperative level 4 weeks later. The various mediators showed no changes in control group.

CONCLUSION

Sick hypothyroid syndrome and hyperinsulinism appeared after semi-hepatectomy. Decrease in IL-2 level contributes to lowered immunity after operative trauma, and elevation of TNF level contributes to apoptosis of hepatocytes, necrosis and inflammation. An elevation of IGF level contributes to regeneration of liver cells.