Effect of lipid emulsions for total parenteral nutrition on regeneration of the liver after partial hepatectomy in rats.

We studied the effects of lipid emulsions for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) on hepatic regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats. Daily energy intake was maintained at 1172 kJ.kg-1.day-1 while the percentage of nonprotein energy sources was changed. Animals were divided into four groups: lipid-free, 10%-lipid, 20%-lipid, and 40%-lipid. TPN was continued for up to 1 wk. The content of proteins, the ratio of proteins to triglycerides, and the yield of mitochondrial protein in the remnant liver 7 days after partial hepatectomy were larger in animals receiving TPN with lipids than in those receiving lipid-free TPN, whereas the amounts of triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver of the latter animals were larger. The degree of fatty infiltration of the hepatic lobule was most distinct in the lipid-free group. Furthermore, activities of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase in the serum tended to be higher in the lipid-free group. Phosphorylating ability of mitochondria in the regenerating liver 7 days after partial hepatectomy was not different among the four groups; however, the highest value for the respiratory control index was obtained in the 40%-lipid group. The application of a lipid emulsion to TPN is useful for hepatic regeneration after partial hepatectomy; however, the ideal concentration of lipids in TPN awaits further investigation.