Liver regeneration after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE The liver has a remarkable capacity to regenerate after injury or resection. The aim of this review is to outline the mechanisms and factors affecting liver regeneration after liver transplantation. METHODS Relevant studies were reviewed using Medline, PubMed and Springer databases. RESULTS A variety of cytokines (such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α), growth factors (like hepatocyte growth factor and transforming growth factor-α) and cells are involved in liver regeneration. Several factors affect liver regeneration after transplantation such as ischemic injury, graft size, immunosuppression, steatosis, donor age and viral hepatitis. CONCLUSION Liver regeneration has been studied for many years. However, further research is essential to reveal the complex processes affecting liver regeneration, which may provide novel strategies in the management of liver transplantation recipients and donors.