<Short Report>Age-related Changes in Serum Lipids and Longevity in Hepatectomized Rats

The life span and serum lipids of Sprague-Dawley rats was examined following partial hepatectomy. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups. One group received a 30% partial hepatectomy (30H) and the other underwent sham-surgery(control). Moreover, group 30H rats were divided into two subgroups based on length of survival ; a short life span group (30HS, n=4), and a long life span group (30HL, n=4). Blood was collected at 24 weeks after partial hepatectomy, and effects on serum biochemical parameters and longevity were evaluated. The 30HS group gained weight more rapidly than the 30HL group. Serum lipids in the 30HS group were higher than those in the 30HL group. These results indicate that survival rate may be related to early changes in lipid metabolism after partial hepatectomy

<Short Report>Long-term Effects of a 30% Hepatectomy on Serum Biochemistry and Longevity in Male Adult Rats

The long-term effects of a 30% hepatectomy on age-related changes in serum biochemistry and longevity were studied in rats. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a 30% partial hepatectomy (30%H, n=7) and a sham-operated control (N, n=9). Blood was collected at 12 weeks, 24 weeks and 48 weeks after partial hepatectomy, and changes in serum biochemical parameters and effects on longevity were studied. By 12 weeks, the serum aspartate amino-transferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) had usually returned to within normal limits. Hepatic function maintained normal serum protein, albumin, glucose and cholesterol levels, but serum triglyceride concentration increased in the 30%H group. Forty eight weeks after surgery, the majority of vital liver functions had returned to normal, but average longevity of the 30%H group was lower than that of the normal group