Simvastatin Attenuates Hepatic Sensitization to Lipopolysaccharide After Partial Hepatectomy

These novels findings demonstrate that simvastatin protects the remnant liver against endotoxemic injury following major hepatectomy. Thus, simvastatin reduced LPS-induced leukocyte recruitment and hepatocyte apoptosis in the liver remnant. One key mechanism appears to be related to the inhibition of TNF-α formation and function (P-selectin expression) as well as to direct actions on LFA-1 function. Thus, simvastatin may represent a novel therapeutic approach to prevent septic liver damage after partial liver resection.