Clinical PotpourriEffect of omega-3 on hepatic regeneration in adult living donors undergoing hepatic resections for liver transplantation: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundOmega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) have been shown to improve liver regeneration in experimental models. Aim was to evaluate the effects of ω-3 PUFAs on hepatic regeneration in adult living donors undergoing partial hepatectomy for liver transplantation (LDLT).MethodsForty LDLT donors were categorized into 2 groups: received either intravenous ω-3 PUFA-enriched lipid emulsion 20% infusion 7 mL/kg once a day for 2 days before surgery and postoperative day (POD) 0 (S group) or glucose 5% (C group). Hepatic regeneration was assessed by volume of the liver after 1 month using computed tomography, and serial serum levels of hepatocyte growth factor were measured at POD 1, 3, and 5.ResultsLiver volume after 1 month was significantly larger in the S group than the C group (1286.75 ± 122.781 cm3 vs 1169.15 ± 128.3, respectively; P = .00). Both the regeneration index and the regeneration percentage were significantly higher in the S group than the C group (P = .02 and P = .00, respectively). Serum levels of hepatocyte growth factor were significantly higher in the S group on POD 1, 3, and 5 than the C group ([in pg/mL] 188.10 ± 74.25 vs123.30 ± 13.56, P = .00; 127.55 ± 32.40 vs 109.25 ± 8.89, P = .02; and 109.45 ± 21.44 vs 96.70 ± 5.57, P = .01; respectively).ConclusionOmega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids effectively promoted liver regeneration and functional recovery following portal hypertension in the setting of LDLT.