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Wilson EA, Weinberg DL, Patel GP. Intraoperative Anesthetic Strategies to Mitigate Early Allograft Dysfunction After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: A Narrative Review. Anesth Analg 2024:00000539-990000000-00775. [PMID: 38442076 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000006902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the most effective treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD). Hepatic insufficiency within a week of OLT, termed early allograft dysfunction (EAD), occurs in 20% to 25% of deceased donor OLT recipients and is associated with morbidity and mortality. Primary nonfunction (PNF), the most severe form of EAD, leads to death or retransplantation within 7 days. The etiology of EAD is multifactorial, including donor, recipient, and surgery-related factors, and largely driven by ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). IRI is an immunologic phenomenon characterized by dysregulation of cellular oxygen homeostasis and innate immune defenses in the allograft after temporary cessation (ischemia) and later restoration (reperfusion) of oxygen-rich blood flow. The rising global demand for OLT may lead to the use of marginal allografts, which are more susceptible to IRI, and thus lead to an increased incidence of EAD. It is thus imperative the anesthesiologist is knowledgeable about EAD, namely its pathophysiology and intraoperative strategies to mitigate its impact. Intraoperative strategies can be classified by 3 phases, specifically donor allograft procurement, storage, and recipient reperfusion. During procurement, the anesthesiologist can use pharmacologic preconditioning with volatile anesthetics, consider preharvest hyperoxemia, and attenuate the use of norepinephrine as able. The anesthesiologist can advocate for normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) and machine perfusion during allograft storage at their institution. During recipient reperfusion, the anesthesiologist can optimize oxygen exposure, consider adjunct anesthetics with antioxidant-like properties, and administer supplemental magnesium. Unfortunately, there is either mixed, little, or no data to support the routine use of many free radical scavengers. Given the sparse, limited, or at times conflicting evidence supporting some of these strategies, there are ample opportunities for more research to find intraoperative anesthetic strategies to mitigate the impact of EAD and improve postoperative outcomes in OLT recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Wilson
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Mao XL, Cai Y, Chen YH, Wang Y, Jiang XX, Ye LP, Li SW. Novel Targets and Therapeutic Strategies to Protect Against Hepatic Ischemia Reperfusion Injury. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:757336. [PMID: 35059411 PMCID: PMC8764312 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.757336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), a fascinating topic that has drawn a lot of interest in the last few years, is a major complication caused by a variety of clinical situations, such as liver transplantation, severe trauma, vascular surgery, and hemorrhagic shock. The IRI process involves a series of complex events, including mitochondrial deenergization, metabolic acidosis, adenosine-5'-triphosphate depletion, Kupffer cell activation, calcium overload, oxidative stress, and the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine signal transduction. A number of protective strategies have been reported to ameliorate IRI, including pharmacological therapy, ischemic pre-conditioning, ischemic post-conditioning, and machine reperfusion. However, most of these strategies are only at the stage of animal model research at present, and the potential mechanisms and exact therapeutic targets have yet to be clarified. IRI remains a main cause of postoperative liver dysfunction, often leading to postoperative morbidity or even mortality. Very recently, it was reported that the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), a member of a superfamily of nuclear transcription factors activated by agonists, can attenuate IRI in the liver, and FAM3A has been confirmed to mediate the protective effect of PPARγ in hepatic IRI. In addition, non-coding RNAs, like LncRNAs and miRNAs, have also been reported to play a pivotal role in the liver IRI process. In this review, we presented an overview of the latest advances of treatment strategies and proposed potential mechanisms behind liver IRI. We also highlighted the role of several important molecules (PPARγ, FAM3A, and non-coding RNAs) in protecting against hepatic IRI. Only after achieving a comprehensive understanding of potential mechanisms and targets behind IRI can we effectively ameliorate IRI in the liver and achieve better therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Li Mao
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques and Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Institute of Digestive Disease, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Yue Cai
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques and Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Institute of Digestive Disease, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Ya-Hong Chen
- Health Management Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques and Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Institute of Digestive Disease, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Xiu-Xiu Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Li-Ping Ye
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques and Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Institute of Digestive Disease, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Shao-Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques and Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Institute of Digestive Disease, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
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Gómez-Gavara C, Moya-Herraiz Á, Hervás D, Pérez-Rojas J, LaHoz A, López-Andújar R. The Potential Role of Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of N-Acetylcysteine Administration During Liver Procurement. The NAC-400 Single Center Randomized Controlled Trial. Transplantation 2021; 105:2245-54. [PMID: 33044432 DOI: 10.1097/TP.0000000000003487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N-acetylcysteine infusions have been widely used to reduce ischemia/reperfusion damage to the liver; however, convincing evidence of their benefits is lacking. OBJECTIVE To perform the largest randomized controlled trial to compare the impact of N-acetylcysteine infusion during liver procurement on liver transplant outcomes. METHODS Single center, randomized trial with patients recruited from La Fe University Hospital, Spain, from February 2012 to January 2016. A total of 214 grafts were transplanted and randomized to the N-acetylcysteine group (n = 113) or to the standard protocol without N-acetylcysteine (n = 101). The primary endpoint was allograft dysfunction (Olthoff criteria). Secondary outcomes included metabolomic biomarkers of oxidative stress levels, interactions between cold ischemia time and alanine aminotransferase level and graft and patient survival (ID no. NCT01866644). RESULTS The incidence of primary dysfunction was 34% (31% in the N-acetylcysteine group and 37.4% in the control group [P = 0.38]). N-acetylcysteine administration reduced the alanine aminotransferase level when cold ischemia time was longer than 6 h (P = 0.0125). Oxidative metabolites (glutathione/oxidized glutathione and ophthalmic acid) were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). Graft and patient survival rates at 12 mo and 3 y were similar between groups (P = 0.54 and P = 0.69, respectively). CONCLUSIONS N-acetylcysteine administration during liver procurement does not improve early allograft dysfunction according to the Olthoff classification. However, when cold ischemia time is longer than 6 h, N-acetylcysteine improves postoperative ALT levels.
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Abstract
Donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors represent a potential means to help address the disparity between the number of patients awaiting liver transplantation (LT) and the availability of donor livers. While initial enthusiasm for DCD LT was high in the early 2000s, early reports of high rates of biliary complications and inferior graft survival resulted in reluctance among many transplant centers to use DCD liver grafts. As with all innovations in transplant practice, there is undoubtedly a learning curve associated with the optimal utilization of liver grafts from DCD donors. More contemporary data has demonstrated that results with DCD LT are improving and the number of DCD LT performed annually has been steadily increasing. In this concise review, potential mechanisms of injury for DCD livers are discussed along with strategies that have been employed in clinical practice to improve DCD LT outcomes.
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Ammar MA, Abdou AMH. Benefits of N-acetylcysteine on liver functions in living donor hepatectomy. Indian J Anaesth 2020; 64:204-209. [PMID: 32346167 PMCID: PMC7179774 DOI: 10.4103/ija.ija_876_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: The proportion of patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation is high especially in countries without or with limited cadaver organ sharing programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the post-hepatectomy effect of using N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) infusion in living donors undergoing donor hepatectomy. Methods: In a prospective randomised non-blinded study, 50 healthy donors were enrolled; following hepatectomy patients were randomised into 2 groups: Group NC receiving NAC 150 mg/kg diluted in 100 ml glucose 5% over 40 minutes, followed by NAC 12.5 mg/kg in 500 ml glucose 5% over 4 hours. This was followed by NAC 6.25 mg/kg for 2 post-operative days, Group C (Control group) received ringer acetate infusion at same rate for 2 days. The primary outcome was serum lactate levels. Secondary outcomes were liver function tests, serum creatinine and urine output on intensive care unit (ICU) admission (0 hr.), after 24 hours and 48 hours, length of ICU stay. Results: Our study revealed significant reduction in serum lactate in Group NC at 0, 24 and 48 hours compared to C group (P = 0.017, 0.002, 0.014). INR values showed significant reduction after 48 hours in Group NC compared to Group C (P = 0.049). Total Bilirubin, ALT, and Creatinine, urine output and ICU stay showed no statistical difference between the 2 groups. Conclusion: The NAC protocol is a safe, cost-effective tool for improvement of post hepatectomy liver function and early stabilisation of the metabolic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona A Ammar
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amr M Hilal Abdou
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Ghezzi P, Lemley KV, Andrus JP, De Rosa SC, Holmgren A, Jones D, Jahoor F, Kopke R, Cotgreave I, Bottiglieri T, Kaplowitz N, Nakamura H, Staal F, Ela SW, Atkuri KR, Tirouvanziam R, Heydari K, Sahaf B, Zolopa A, Frye RE, Mantovani JJ, Herzenberg LA, Herzenberg LA. Cysteine/Glutathione Deficiency: A Significant and Treatable Corollary of Disease. The Therapeutic Use of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) in Medicine 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-5311-5_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) deficiency may play a pivotal role in a variety of apparently unrelated clinical conditions and diseases. Orally administered N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which replenishes the cysteine required for GSH synthesis, has been tested in a large number of randomized placebo-controlled trials involving these diseases and conditions. This chapter focused on developing a base of evidence suggesting that NAC administration improves disease by increasing cysteine and/or GSH in a variety of diseases, thereby implying a significant role for GSH deficiency in the clinical basis of many diseases. To develop this base of evidence, we systematically selected studies which considered the hypothesis that the therapeutic efficacy for NAC is an indication that cysteine and/or GSH deficiency is a pathophysiological part of the diseases studied. In this manner we focus this chapter on explaining the biological mechanisms of NAC therapy in a wide variety of disorders and demonstrate its ubiquitous role in improving disease that involves disrupted GSH and/or cysteine metabolism.
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Abstract
Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury is a major cause of liver transplant failure, and is of increasing significance due to increased use of expanded criteria livers for transplantation. This review summarizes the mechanisms and protective strategies for hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in the context of liver transplantation. Pharmacological therapies, the use of pre-and post-conditioning and machine perfusion are discussed as protective strategies. The use of machine perfusion offers significant potential in the reconditioning of liver grafts and the prevention of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, and is an exciting and active area of research, which needs more study clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanketh Rampes
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London SE1 1U, UK
| | - Daqing Ma
- Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, UK
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Cannistrà M, Ruggiero M, Zullo A, Gallelli G, Serafini S, Maria M, Naso A, Grande R, Serra R, Nardo B. Hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury: A systematic review of literature and the role of current drugs and biomarkers. Int J Surg 2016; 33 Suppl 1:S57-70. [PMID: 27255130 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2016.05.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is not only a pathophysiological process involving the liver, but also a complex systemic process affecting multiple tissues and organs. Hepatic IRI can seriously impair liver function, even producing irreversible damage, which causes a cascade of multiple organ dysfunction. Many factors, including anaerobic metabolism, mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress and secretion of ROS, intracellular Ca(2+) overload, cytokines and chemokines produced by KCs and neutrophils, and NO, are involved in the regulation of hepatic IRI processes. Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) can be an important mediator of early leukocyte recruitment and target in acute and chronic liver injury associated to ischemia. MMPs and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) could be used as markers of I-R injury severity stages. This review explores the relationship between factors and inflammatory pathways that characterize hepatic IRI, MMPs and current pharmacological approaches to this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cannistrà
- Department of Surgery, Annunziata Hospital of Cosenza, Cosenza, Italy.
| | - Michele Ruggiero
- Department of Surgery, Annunziata Hospital of Cosenza, Cosenza, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Zullo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Gallelli
- Department of Emergency, Pugliese-Ciaccio Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Simone Serafini
- Department of Surgery, Annunziata Hospital of Cosenza, Cosenza, Italy.
| | - Mazzitelli Maria
- Department of Primary Care, Provincial Health Authority of Vibo Valentia, 89900 Vibo Valentia, Italy.
| | - Agostino Naso
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Grande
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Serra
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Bruno Nardo
- Department of Surgery, Annunziata Hospital of Cosenza, Cosenza, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Italy.
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Siniscalchi A, Gamberini L, Laici C, Bardi T, Ercolani G, Lorenzini L, Faenza S. Post reperfusion syndrome during liver transplantation: From pathophysiology to therapy and preventive strategies. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:1551-1569. [PMID: 26819522 PMCID: PMC4721988 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i4.1551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aims at evaluating the existing evidence regarding post reperfusion syndrome, providing a description of the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved and possible management and preventive strategies. A PubMed search was conducted using the MeSH database, “Reperfusion” AND “liver transplantation” were the combined MeSH headings; EMBASE and the Cochrane library were also searched using the same terms. 52 relevant studies and one ongoing trial were found. The concept of post reperfusion syndrome has evolved through years to a multisystemic disorder. The implications of the main organ, recipient and procedure related factors in the genesis of this complex syndrome are discussed in the text as the novel pharmacologic and technical approaches to reduce its incidence. However the available evidence about risk factors, physiopathology and preventive measures is still confusing, the presence of two main definitions and the numerosity of possible confounding factors greatly complicates the interpretation of the studies.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in patients with chronic liver disease. We prospectively evaluated effectiveness of the N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in preserving postoperative renal functions in cirrhotic patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 60 cirrhotic patients child A to B were randomized into two groups of 30 each. NAC groupwas received intravenous infusion of NAC (1200 mg/12h starting immediately before surgery and continued for 72h h postoperative) and controls group received a similar volume of glucose 5% solution as a a placebo. Systemic hemodynamics, hepatic and renal functions, serum cystatin C and cystatin C glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (GFR) were compared between both groups. RESULTS Serum level of cystatin C was raised significantly above the basal value at postoperative day 1 and day 3 associated with significantly decreased in cystatin C GFR below the basal value in the control group (P = 0.001). 6 (20%) (PP = 0.03) in control group developed AKI based on cystatin C GFR criteria (GFR <55 ml/min/1.73m(2)). Mean values of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were increased significantly above the basal values in both groups, but the increases were significantly lower in NAC group (P = 0.00). Chest infection was significantly lower associated with shorter hospital stay in the NAC group than the control group. CONCLUSION Intravenous administration of NAC NAC in cirrhotic patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries reduces the incidence of cystatin C GFR-based AKI, postoperative renal and liver functions were well-preserved and improved outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Sayed Ibrahim
- Department of Anesthesia, National Liver Institute, Menofeya University, Menofeya, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Sharawy
- Department of Clinical Pathology, National Liver Institute, Menofeya University, Menofeya, Egypt
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Aliakbarian M, Nikeghbalian S, Ghaffaripour S, Bahreini A, Shafiee M, Rashidi M, Rajabnejad Y. Effects of N-Acetylcysteine Addition to University of Wisconsin Solution on the Rate of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Adult Orthotopic Liver Transplant. EXP CLIN TRANSPLANT 2015; 15:432-436. [PMID: 26114393 DOI: 10.6002/ect.2014.0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES One of the main concerns in liver transplant is the prolonged ischemia time, which may lead to primary graft nonfunction or delayed function. N-acetylcysteine is known as a hepato-protective agent in different studies, which may improve human hepatocyte viability in steatotic donor livers. This study investigated whether N-acetylcysteine can decrease the rate of ischemia-reperfusion syndrome and improve short-term outcome in liver transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a double-blind, randomized, control clinical trial of 115 patients. Between April 2012 and January 2013, patients with orthotopic liver transplant were randomly divided into 2 groups; in 49 cases N-acetylcysteine was added to University of Wisconsin solution as the preservative liquid (experimental group), and in 66 cases standard University of Wisconsin solution was used (control group). We compared postreperfusion hypotension, inotrope requirement before and after portal reperfusion, intermittent arterial blood gas analysis and potassium measurement, pathological review of transplanted liver, in-hospital complications, morbidity, and mortality. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the groups regarding time to hepatic artery reperfusion, hospital stay, vascular complications, inotrope requirement before and after portal declamping, and blood gas analysis. Hypotension after portal reperfusion was significantly more common in experimental group compared with control group (P = .005). Retransplant and in-hospital mortality were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Preservation of the liver inside Univer-sity of Wisconsin solution plus N-acetylcysteine did not change the rate of ischemia reperfusion injury and short-term outcome in liver transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Aliakbarian
- Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Bruns H, Heil J, Schultze D, Al Saeedi M, Schemmer P. Early markers of reperfusion injury after liver transplantation: association with primary dysfunction. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2015; 14:246-52. [PMID: 26063024 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(15)60384-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with end-stage liver disease, liver transplantation is the only available curative treatment. Although the outcome and quality of life in the patients have improved over the past decades, primary dys- or nonfunction (PDF/PNF) can occur. Early detection of PDF and PNF is crucial and could lead to individual therapies. This study was designed to identify early markers of reperfusion injury and PDF in liver biopsies taken during the first hour after reperfusion. METHODS Biopsies from donor livers were prospectively taken as a routine during the first hour after reperfusion. Recipient data, transaminases and outcome were routinely monitored. In total, 10 biopsy specimens taken from patients with 90-day mortality and PDF, and patients with long-term survival but without PDF were used for DNA microarrays. Markers that were significantly up- or down-regulated in the microarray were verified using quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS Age, indications and labMELD score were similar in both groups. Peak-transaminases during the first week after transplantation were significantly different in the two groups. In total, 20 differentially regulated markers that correlated to PDF were identified using microarray analysis and verified with quantitative real-time PCR. CONCLUSIONS The markers identified in this study could predict PDF at a very early time point and might point to interventions that ameliorate reperfusion injury and thus prevent PDF. Identification of patients and organs at risk might lead to individualized therapies and could ultimately improve outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge Bruns
- Department of General and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.
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Akhtar M, Henderson T, Sutherland A, Vogel T, Friend P. Novel Approaches to Preventing Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury During Liver Transplantation. Transplant Proc 2013; 45:2083-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2013.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Death is common in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis-induced multisystem organ failure and it has been thought that antioxidants such as N-acetylcysteine could be beneficial. OBJECTIVES We assessed the clinical effectiveness of intravenous N-acetylcysteine for the treatment of patients with SIRS or sepsis. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following databases: Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 12); MEDLINE (January 1950 to January 2012); EMBASE (January 1980 to January 2012); CINAHL (1982 to January 2012); the NHS Trusts Clinical Trials Register and Current Controlled Trials (www.controlled-trials.com); LILACS; KoreaMED; MEDCARIB; INDMED; PANTELEIMON; Ingenta; ISI Web of Knowledge and the National Trials Register to identify all relevant randomized controlled trials available for review. SELECTION CRITERIA We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the meta-analysis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We independently performed study selection, quality assessment and data extraction. We estimated risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes. We measured statistical heterogeneity using the I(2) statistic. MAIN RESULTS We included 41 fully published studies (2768 patients). Mortality was similar in the N-acetylcysteine group and the placebo group (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.42; I(2) = 0%). Neither did N-acetylcysteine show any significant effect on length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation or incidence of new organ failure. Early application of N-acetylcysteine to prevent the development of an oxidato-inflammatory response did not affect the outcome, nor did late application that is after 24 hours of developing symptoms. Late application was associated with cardiovascular instability. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Overall, this meta-analysis puts doubt on the safety and utility of intravenous N-acetylcysteine as an adjuvant therapy in SIRS and sepsis. At best, N-acetylcysteine is ineffective in reducing mortality and complications in this patient population. At worst, it can be harmful, especially when administered later than 24 hours after the onset of symptoms, by causing cardiovascular depression. Unless future RCTs provide evidence of treatment effect, clinicians should not routinely use intravenous N-acetylcysteine in SIRS or sepsis and academics should not promote its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamas Szakmany
- Department of Anaesthesia, Cwm Taf NHS Trust, Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant, UK.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury occurs in both liver resectional surgery and in transplantation. The biochemistry of I/R injury involves short-lived oxygen free radicals. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a thiol-containing synthetic compound used in the treatment of acetaminophen toxicity. The present study is a detailed overview of the experimental and clinical evidence for the use of NAC as a pharmaco-protection agent in patients undergoing major liver surgery or transplantation. METHODS A computerized search of the Medline, Embase and SCI databases for the period from 1st January 1988 to 31st December 2008 produced 40 reports. For clinical studies, the quality of reports was assessed according to the criteria reported by the Cochrane communication review group. RESULTS Nineteen studies evaluated NAC in experimental liver I/R injury. NAC was administered before induction of ischaemia in 13. The most widely used concentration was 150 mg/kg by intravenous bolus. Fifteen studies report an improvement in outcome, predominantly a reduction in transaminase. Seven studies used an isolated perfused liver model with all showing improvement (predominantly an improvement in bile production after N-acetylcysteine). Two out of four transplantation models showed an improvement in hepatic function. Clinical studies in transplantation show a modest improvement in transaminase levels with no beneficial effect on either patient or graft survival. CONCLUSION N-acetylcysteine, given before induction of a liver I/R injury in an experimental model can ameliorate liver injury. Clinical outcome data are limited and there is currently little evidence to justify use either in liver transplantation or in liver resectional surgery.
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Abstract
During liver resection surgery for cancer or liver transplantation, the liver is subject to ischaemia (reduction in blood flow) followed by reperfusion (restoration of blood flow), which results in liver injury [ischemia-reperfusion (IR) or IR injury]. Modulation of IR injury can be achieved in various ways. These include hypothermia, ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) (brief cycles of ischaemia followed by reperfusion of the organ before the prolonged period of ischaemia i.e. a conditioning response), ischaemic postconditioning (conditioning after the prolonged period of ischaemia but before the reperfusion), pharmacological agents to decrease IR injury, genetic modulation of IR injury, and machine perfusion (pulsatile perfusion). Hypothermia decreases the metabolic functions and the oxygen consumption of organs. Static cold storage in University of Wisconsin solution reduces IR injury and has prolonged organ storage and improved the function of transplanted grafts. There is currently no evidence for any clinical advantage in the use of alternate solutions for static cold storage. Although experimental data from animal models suggest that IPC, ischaemic postconditioning, various pharmacological agents, gene therapy, and machine perfusion decrease IR injury, none of these interventions can be recommended in clinical practice. This is because of the lack of randomized controlled trials assessing the safety and efficacy of ischaemic postconditioning, gene therapy, and machine perfusion. Randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials assessing the safety and efficacy of IPC and various pharmacological agents have demonstrated biochemical or histological improvements but this has not translated to clinical benefit. Further well designed randomized controlled trials are necessary to assess the various new protective strategies in liver resection.
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Santiago FM, Olmedo C, Muffak-Granero K, Comino A, Villar JM, Garrote D, Bueno P, Ferrón JA. Intraoperative pH values after N-acetylcysteine administration during liver transplantation. Transplant Proc 2010; 42:3164-6. [PMID: 20970637 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2010.05.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We investigated whether intraoperative administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to liver transplant recipients affected pH values. This prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial included liver transplant recipients who were randomly assigned to NAC-treated (n=25) or placebo (n=25) groups. The NAC-treated group received 100 mg/kg dissolved in 5% dextrose over 15 minutes during the anhepatic phase, followed by a continuous infusion of 50 mg/kg in 5% dextrose during the next 24 hours. The placebo group received equal amounts of 5% dextrose solution during the same times. Peripheral blood samples were drawn in Ca2+-80 IU-containing syringes after induction of anesthesia (I-1), at 15 minutes into the anhepatic phase (I-2) prior to the administration of NAC or placebo, at 5 minutes before reperfusion (I-3), at 5 minutes after reperfusion (I-4), at 20 minutes after reperfusion (I-5), at 60 minutes after reperfusion (I-6), and at 1 hour after completion of the procedure (I-7). pH levels, which were determined using a radiometer ABL77 (Copenhagen, Denmark), were significantly lower among the NAC than the placebo group at I-4 (P=.027) and I-5 (P=.031). An early decrease in pH values was detected in the NAC-treated group at 5 minutes before reperfusion (I-3; P=.051). We concluded that intraoperative NAC administration during the anhepatic phase of liver transplantation significantly decreased recipient pH values at 5 and 20 minutes after reperfusion, a decrease that was detected at 5 minutes before reperfusion (I-3). The decrease seemed to be associated with NAC metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Santiago
- Anesthesiology Service, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain
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Hilmi IA, Peng Z, Planinsic RM, Damian D, Dai F, Tyurina YY, Kagan VE, Kellum JA. N-acetylcysteine does not prevent hepatorenal ischaemia-reperfusion injury in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2010; 25:2328-33. [PMID: 20179007 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfq077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glutathione (GSH) acts as a free radical scavenger that may be helpful in preventing reperfusion injury. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) replenishes GSH stores. The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of NAC in improving liver graft performance and reducing the incidence of post-operative acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS Our study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 100 patients; 50 received placebo and 50 received a loading dose of 140 mg/kg of intravenous (IV) NAC over 1 h followed by 70 mg/kg IV repeated every 4 h for a total of 12 doses. Both groups were followed up for 1 year post-orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). We recorded liver function tests, renal function tests, graft survival, patient survival, plasma GSH and duration of hospital and ICU stay. In addition to serum creatinine (SCr) levels, we analysed cystatin C and beta-trace as independent measures of glomerular filtration. All clinical data were recorded daily for the first week after the surgery, then on Days 14, 21, 30, 90 and 180 and at the end of the first year. RESULTS IV NAC did not affect survival, graft function or risk of AKI. However, GSH levels were highly variable with only 50% of patients receiving NAC exhibiting increased levels and fewer patients developed AKI when GSH levels were increased. Additional risk factors for AKI in the post-transplant period were female gender (P = 0.05), increased baseline serum bilirubin (P = 0.004) and increased baseline SCr levels (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS IV NAC was not effective in reducing renal or hepatic injury in the setting of liver transplantation. The dose and duration of NAC used, though higher than most renal protection studies, may have been ineffective for raising GSH levels in some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibtesam A Hilmi
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Mei J, Zhu J, Ding F, Bao C, Wu S. N-acetylcysteine Improves Early Cardiac Isograft Function in a Rat Heterotopic Transplantation Model. Transplant Proc 2009; 41:3632-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2009.06.206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2009] [Accepted: 06/01/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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McKay A, Cassidy D, Sutherland F, Dixon E. Clinical results of N-acetylcysteine after major hepatic surgery: a review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 15:473-8. [PMID: 18836799 DOI: 10.1007/s00534-007-1306-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2007] [Accepted: 09/22/2007] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Ischemia/reperfusion injury is thought to play an important role in postoperative liver dysfunction and morbidity following major liver surgery. N-acetylcysteine may be protective by serving as a precursor to glutathione and replenishing intracellular stores, in addition to other mechanisms. The purpose of this review is to summarize the clinical evidence that N-acetylcysteine may reduce liver dysfunction and the postoperative complications following major liver surgery. METHODS A PubMed (MEDLINE) search was performed using the search terms "N-acetylcysteine", "Mucomyst", "liver", and "surgery" to identify all relevant articles published in English prior to February 2007. RESULTS Seventy-three articles were identified, and of these, there were seven studies that involved human patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (six randomized controlled trials and one retrospective study). CONCLUSIONS The evidence that routine use of N-acetylcysteine reduces ischemia/reperfusion injury and prevents complications after major liver surgery is not conclusive. The available studies may have been limited by small sample sizes, and heterogeneous outcome measures prevent conclusions being made across studies and prevent pooling of the data. Further study with more relevant clinical endpoints and larger sample sizes is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew McKay
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Calgary Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331-29th Street NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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21
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Hilmi I, Horton CN, Planinsic RM, Sakai T, Nicolau-Raducu R, Damian D, Gligor S, Marcos A. The impact of postreperfusion syndrome on short-term patient and liver allograft outcome in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2008; 14:504-8. [PMID: 18383079 DOI: 10.1002/lt.21381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The greatest part of liver allograft injury occurs during reperfusion, not during the cold ischemia phase. The aim of this study, therefore, was to investigate how the severity of postreperfusion syndrome (PRS) influences short-term outcome for the patient and for the liver allograft. Over a 2-year period, 338 consecutive patients who presented for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) were included in this retrospective study. They were divided into 2 groups according to the severity of the PRS they experienced. The first group comprised 152 patients with mild or no PRS; the second group comprised 186 patients with significant PRS. Perioperative hemodynamic parameters, coagulation profiles, blood product requirements, incidence of infection, incidence of rejection and outcome data for both groups were collected and analyzed. There was no demographic difference between the groups except for age; group 2 had older patients than group 1 (54.94 +/- 9.07 versus 51.52 +/- 9.91, P = 0.001). Compared to group 1, group 2 patients required more red blood cell transfusions (11.31 +/- 10.90 versus 8.08 +/- 7.89 units, P = 0.002), more fresh frozen plasma transfusions (10.25 +/- 10.96 versus 7.03 +/- 7.64 units, P = 0.002), more cryoprecipitate (1.88 +/- 4.72 units versus 0.61 +/- 1.80 units, P = 0.001), and were more likely to suffer from fibrinolysis (52.7% versus 41.4%, P = 0.041). Interestingly, group 2 had a shorter average warm ischemia time than group 1 (33.19 +/- 8.55 versus 36.21 +/- 11.83 minutes, P = 0.01). Group 2 also required longer, on average, mechanical ventilation (14.95 +/- 29.79 versus 8.55 +/- 17.79 days, P = 0.015), remained in the intensive care unit longer (17.65 +/- 31.00 versus 11.49 +/- 18.67 days, P = 0.025), and had a longer hospital stay (27.29 +/- 32.35 versus 20.85 +/- 21.08 days, P = 0.029). Group 2 was more likely to require retransplantation (8.6% versus 3.3%, P = 0.044). In conclusion, the severity of PRS during OLT appears to be related to the outcome of patient and liver allograft.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibtesam Hilmi
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Stéphenne X, Vosters O, Najimi M, Beuneu C, Dung KN, Wijns W, Goldman M, Sokal EM. Tissue factor-dependent procoagulant activity of isolated human hepatocytes: relevance to liver cell transplantation. Liver Transpl 2007; 13:599-606. [PMID: 17394166 DOI: 10.1002/lt.21128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver cell transplantation (LCT) aims to correct inborn liver function defects by infusing metabolically active cells into the diseased liver. Further improvement in LCT might depend on the prevention of early loss of transplanted cells. As tissue factor (TF)-dependent activation of coagulation was found to contribute to a low rate of beta cell engraftment in islet transplantation, we investigated the potential procoagulant activity (PCA) of hepatocyte preparations. TF expression on hepatocyte preparations was assessed by flow cytometry, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. PCA depending on TF was evaluated in human plasma and in whole blood systems. Coagulation parameters were followed by routine techniques in a LCT recipient Crigler-Najjar patient. We determined that hepatocytes express soluble and membrane-bound forms of TF. We showed that hepatocytes exert a TF-dependent PCA. In parallel, delayed increase in D-dimer levels was observed following the hepatocyte infusions in the Crigler-Najjar patient. Furthermore, in vitro experiments demonstrated that TF-dependent PCA of hepatocytes is inhibited by N-acetyl-L-cysteine. In conclusion, hepatocytes exert TF-dependent PCA, which may contribute to early loss of infused cells. Addition of N-acetyl-L-cysteine to the suspensions of hepatocytes might be beneficial in LCT by inhibiting activation of coagulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Stéphenne
- Laboratory of Paediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Unité Pé diatrie (PEDI), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto A Pretto
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL 33101, USA
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25
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Smyrniotis V, Arkadopoulos N, Kostopanagiotou G, Theodoropoulos T, Theodoraki K, Farantos C, Kairi E, Paphiti A. Attenuation of ischemic injury by N-acetylcysteine preconditioning of the liver. J Surg Res 2005; 129:31-7. [PMID: 16140340 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2005.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2004] [Revised: 07/20/2005] [Accepted: 07/23/2005] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous previous studies have established the hepatoprotective properties of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). The present study was designed to investigate the effects of NAC on a warm hepatic ischemia-reperfusion rat model with a focus on the role of cAMP. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-six male Wistar rats were allocated randomly into the control group (n = 28) or the study group (group NAC, n = 28). Group NAC animals received an intravenous bolus dose of 0.3 mg/g NAC, whereas control animals were given an equal volume of normal saline. Subsequently, 60-min partial liver ischemia was induced by occlusion of blood inflow to the left and middle liver lobes. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alpha-glutathione S-transferase levels, platelet aggregation, and ischemic tissue cyclic adenosine 5-monophosphate (cAMP) levels were examined at 30, 60, and 120 min after reperfusion. Parts of the ischemic liver were sampled at the same time-points. Measurements were obtained from seven animals at each time point. RESULTS The administration of NAC resulted in lower levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alpha-glutathione S-transferase, decreased platelet aggregation, and increased levels of ischemic tissue cAMP at all time points after reperfusion. Histologically, fewer necrotic changes were observed in the NAC group at 60 and 120 min after reperfusion. All differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In the present study, NAC seems to attenuate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion damage, as demonstrated by liver function tests and liver histology. The effects of NAC appear to be mediated by the decrease in platelet aggregation and increase in the levels of cAMP observed in ischemic liver tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilios Smyrniotis
- Second Department of Surgery, University of Athens School of Medicine, Aretaeion Hospital, Athens, Greece
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26
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Glantzounis GK, Salacinski HJ, Yang W, Davidson BR, Seifalian AM. The contemporary role of antioxidant therapy in attenuating liver ischemia-reperfusion injury: a review. Liver Transpl 2005; 11:1031-47. [PMID: 16123965 DOI: 10.1002/lt.20504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is an important factor in many pathological conditions such as inflammation, cancer, ageing and organ response to ischemia-reperfusion. Humans have developed a complex antioxidant system to eliminate or attenuate oxidative stress. Liver ischemia-reperfusion injury occurs in a number of clinical settings, including liver surgery, transplantation, and hemorrhagic shock with subsequent fluid resuscitation, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by significant oxidative stress but accompanied with depletion of endogenous antioxidants. This review has 2 aims: firstly, to highlight the clinical significance of liver ischemia-reperfusion injury, the underlying mechanisms and the main pathways by which the antioxidants function, and secondly, to describe the new developments that are ongoing in antioxidant therapy and to present the experimental and clinical evidence about the role of antioxidants in modulating hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios K Glantzounis
- University Department of Surgery, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London, London, NW3 2PF, UK
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Abstract
Liver transplantation offers patients with liver disease an optimal chance for long-term survival. Current indications, preoperative assessment, patient selection, intraoperative anesthetic management and outcomes are described. The management of special situations, including retransplantation, pediatric transplantation, and fulminant hepatic failure are also reviewed. The success of liver transplantation has led to increased demand. This demand, coupled with a nonexpanding supply of deceased donor organs, has resulted in a shortage of grafts and prolonged waiting times. Novel solutions using segmental liver grafts from living donors, and the challenges associated with this approach, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randolph H Steadman
- Department of Anesthesiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095-1778, USA.
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Abstract
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) poisoning remains the most common exposure reported to US poison information centres and the leading cause of poisoning-related fatalities, despite the availability of an effective antidote, acetylcysteine. Oral acetylcysteine solution has been approved for the management of acetaminophen poisoning in the US for four decades. Until the recent approval of intravenous acetylcysteine in the US, it was necessary to compound the oral solution for intravenous administration. The effectiveness and tolerability of oral and intravenous acetylcysteine for the prevention of hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol poisoning are well established in the literature. Intravenous acetylcysteine may be preferred over oral administration based on improved tolerability, ease of administration and the shortened course of therapy (20 hours intravenous vs 72 hours oral). The two intravenous acetylcysteine regimens documented in the literature, 48 hours and 20 hours, have similar efficacy when started within 8-10 hours of ingestion. Although there are no legal concerns with continuing the routine compounding of the oral solution to an intravenous product, new standards for pharmacy compounding of sterile preparations set forth by the US Pharmacopoeia highlight that the risk of compounding products for intravenous use must be assessed carefully. Changing the route of administration of a sterile oral solution to an intravenous preparation, when a commercial sterile and pyrogen-free product is available, may not be advisable. The best cost-containment strategies must be used for introduction of the more costly sterile, pyrogen-free intravenous acetylcysteine formulation by hospitals and healthcare systems. The intravenous acetylcysteine product is more cost effective when given for 20 hours than other treatment protocols based on the costs of acetylcysteine and hospitalisation. If used per protocol, the 20-hour intravenous acetylcysteine regimen may decrease hospital length of stay, thereby, offsetting the increased drug cost. Data conflict on the efficacy and administration of intravenous acetylcysteine for off-label uses, such as radiographic contrast media-induced nephropathy prevention and reperfusion in orthotopic liver transplantation. The costs for the intravenous formulation for these indications is significantly higher than use of the oral formulation for oral administration in radiographic contrast media-induced nephropathy prevention and compounded for intravenous use in orthotopic liver transplantation. The oral solution should be retained by healthcare systems for oral and inhalation applications, such as respiratory conditions, oral administration for radiographic contrast media nephropathy prevention, or the use of the 72-hour oral protocol to treat paracetamol poisoning, when the intravenous preparation cannot be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M Culley
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center/University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, PA 15213, USA
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29
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Abstract
Patients with small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) and acute liver failure share some important clinical features that are paralleled by common approaches to their intensive care unit management. Both are characterized by a period of acute hepatic insufficiency, with clinical features reflecting the impairment of metabolic and immunologic function that results. The basic principles of management of the two conditions remain essentially the same: to support hepatic regeneration, to anticipate and prevent the development of complications, and to identify patients unlikely to survive early in their clinical course so that retransplantation may be considered. Many treatments are available in the intensive care unit to overcome biochemical and metabolic disturbances in acute liver failure. Optimal pharmacologic management of SFSS complicated by portal hypertension and variceal hemorrhage is currently uncertain. Extracorporeal liver support has several theoretical attractions in the critically ill patient with SFSS, through its ability by removal of hepatotoxins to provide an environment more conducive to hepatic regeneration and recovery, or to support and bridge the patient to transplantation. The molecular adsorbent recycling system has been proposed to remove both water-soluble and protein-bound toxins. This system is particularly attractive in the treatment of SFSS, however, despite its current clinical application, there are presently limited published data to support its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Bernal
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, London, England.
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30
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Abstract
BACKGROUND N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administration has been shown to ameliorate experimental acute renal failure induced by ischemia-reflow, and was found to prevent radiocontrast nephropathy in high-risk patients. While the protective effect of NAC has been primarily attributed to scavenging oxygen free radicals, improving renal microcirculation also may play a role in the prevention of acute renal failure. METHODS This study was designed to explore the effect of NAC on renal microcirculation. Blood pressure, total renal blood flow and selective regional cortical and outer medullary blood flow were continuously monitored in anesthetized Sprague Dawley rats with ultrasonic and laser-Doppler probes during the infusion of NAC (60 mg/kg). RESULTS In control intact rats blood pressure and renal microcirculation were unaffected by NAC. By contrast, following renal vasoconstriction induced by the radiocontrast agent iothalamate meglumine, NAC decreased total, cortical and medullary vascular resistance by 7 to 10% (P < 0.05). NAC also reduced renal vascular resistance by 16% when given during angiotensin II infusion (P < 0.05). Altered renal microcirculation, induced by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, by the nitric oxide synthase-inhibitor, Nomeganitro-l-arginine (L-NAME), or with their combination was partially restored by NAC. Nevertheless, NAC administration failed to attenuate renal function and morphology in a rat model of acute renal failure with selective outer medullary hypoxic injury, induced by indomethacin, L-NAME and iothalamate. CONCLUSIONS NAC ameliorates renal vasoconstriction, an effect that seems to be mediated by mechanisms other than prostaglandins and nitric oxide. The potential renoprotective outcome of NAC and the role of its vasodilating effect on the pre-constricted renal vasculature should be evaluated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel N Heyman
- Department of Medicine, Hadassah University Hospital, Mt. Scopus and the Hebrew University Medical School, and Nephrology Unit, Bikur Holim Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Zapletal CM, Taut FJH, Martin E, Breitkreutz R, Babylon A, Droge W, Thies J. Influence of N-acetylcysteine on hepatic amino acid metabolism in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation. Transpl Int 2001. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2001.tb00067.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Weigand MA, Plachky J, Thies JC, Spies-Martin D, Otto G, Martin E, Bardenheuer HJ. N-acetylcysteine attenuates the increase in alpha-glutathione S-transferase and circulating ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 after reperfusion in humans undergoing liver transplantation. Transplantation 2001; 72:694-8. [PMID: 11544433 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-200108270-00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress and leukocyte-endothelial interactions contribute significantly to the reperfusion injury of the transplanted liver. Therefore, we investigated the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on reperfusion injury and circulating adhesion molecules during human liver transplantation. METHODS In a prospective study, 10 orthotopic liver transplantation patients were treated with high-dose NAC and 10 patients were treated with 5% glucose (placebo group) immediately before and during reperfusion of the donor liver. Parameters of hepatocellular injury, cellular oxygenation, plasma cytokines, and circulating adhesion molecules were determined at various time points during the liver transplantation. RESULTS NAC had no significant effect on the arterial lactate/pyruvate or hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate ratio during the liver transplantation. At baseline, liver transplantation patients exhibited elevated levels of cytokines and circulating adhesion molecules compared with healthy volunteers (n=7). While no significant effect of NAC on circulating L- and P-selectin was observed, it significantly inhibited the increase in circulating ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 24 hr after reperfusion. There were no significant differences in maximal postoperative values of serum aspartate transaminase (peak AST) or alanine transaminase (peak ALT) between both groups. However, NAC significantly reduced the rise in alpha-glutathione S-transferase after reperfusion of the donor liver. CONCLUSIONS NAC attenuated the increase in alpha-glutathione S-transferase and circulating ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 after reperfusion of the donor liver, indicating possible cytoprotective effects of NAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Weigand
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Heidelberg, Germany
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Taut FJ, Schmidt H, Zapletal CM, Thies JC, Grube C, Motsch J, Klar E, Martin E. N-acetylcysteine induces shedding of selectins from liver and intestine during orthotopic liver transplantation. Clin Exp Immunol 2001; 124:337-41. [PMID: 11422213 PMCID: PMC1906050 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2249.2001.01531.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), N-acetylcysteine (NAC) reduces ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, improves liver synthesis function and prevents primary nonfunction of the graft. To further elucidate the mechanisms of these beneficial effects of NAC, we investigated influence of high-dose NAC therapy on the pattern of adhesion molecule release from liver and intestine during OLT. Nine patients receiving allograft OLT were treated with 150 mg NAC/kg during the first hour after reperfusion; 10 patients received the carrier only. One hour after reperfusion, samples of arterial, portal venous and hepatic venous plasma were taken and blood flow in the hepatic artery and the portal vein was measured. Absolute concentrations of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sP-selectin and sE-selectin were not markedly different. However, balance calculations showed release of selectins from NAC-treated livers as opposed to net uptake in controls (P < or = 0.02 for sP-selectin). This shedding of selectins might be a contributing factor to the decrease in leucocyte adherence and improved haemodynamics found experimentally with NAC-treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Taut
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Maeda A, Nagino M, Takeuchi E, Sano T, Kurumiya Y, Nimura Y. Interleukin 6 in bile as an indicator of liver function after hepatectomy in patients with biliary tract carcinoma. Br J Surg 1999; 86:458-64. [PMID: 10215814 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2168.1999.01065.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin (IL) 6 is one of the important components of the early signalling pathways leading to liver regeneration, and has been detected in the bile after liver transplantation. IL-6 concentrations in the bile were studied in an attempt to predict liver function after major hepatectomy for biliary tract carcinoma. METHODS This study involved 24 patients without cirrhosis who underwent major hepatectomy for biliary tract carcinoma. The bile was sampled regularly through external biliary drainage tubes. IL-6 concentrations in bile and serum were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Bile IL-6 concentrations increased 37-fold (from mean(s.e.) 56(13) pg/ml before hepatectomy to 2071(398) pg/ml on day 1 after operation) in patients without liver failure after hepatectomy (n = 18) and increased sevenfold (from 71(24) to 530(76) pg/ml) in patients with liver failure after hepatectomy (n = 6). The values were significantly lower in patients with liver failure than in those without liver failure (P < 0.05). The bile IL-6 concentration on day 1 after operation exhibited a significant negative correlation with the maximum serum total bilirubin concentration after hepatectomy. Although serum IL-6 concentrations were also increased in both groups after hepatectomy, there was no significant correlation with postoperative liver function. CONCLUSION Increased bile IL-6 concentrations after hepatectomy may reflect liver regenerative capacity. Measurement of bile IL-6 concentrations may be clinically useful for the early identification of liver failure after hepatectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Maeda
- First Department of Surgery, Nagoya University School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
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Steib A, Freys G, Collin F, Launoy A, Mark G, Boudjema K. Does N-acetylcysteine improve hemodynamics and graft function in liver transplantation? Liver Transpl Surg 1998; 4:152-7. [PMID: 9516568 DOI: 10.1002/lt.500040204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The release of toxic oxidative free radicals induced by ischemia and reperfusion may jeopardize liver graft function. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has shown protective effects on hypothermic and warm ischemia reperfusion liver injury in animals. NAC improves hemodynamics and survival rates in patients with fulminant hepatic failure. The aim of this study was to investigate whether intraoperative treatment with NAC would improve hemodynamics and postoperative graft function in liver transplantation. Sixty patients with chronic end-stage liver disease were included in a prospective randomized placebo-controlled study. NAC or the same volume of 5% glucose was started during the anhepatic phase. Hemodynamic data and calculated tissue oxygenation parameters were compared throughout the procedure. Postoperative graft function was assessed by measurements of aminotransferases, prothrombin time, and monoethylglycinexylidide test over the 3 first postoperative days. Patient demographics were similar before the infusion of NAC or glucose. Hemodynamic parameters, oxygen consumption, oxygen delivery, oxygen extraction ratio, and lactates were not different throughout the procedure. One hour after the revascularization of the hepatic artery, the oxygen extraction ratio by the liver was similar (17% +/- 7.6% v 17% +/- 6.2%) in both groups. Postoperative graft function was comparable within the 3 first postoperative days. This study failed to show any beneficial effect of the intraoperative administration of NAC on hemodynamics and graft function in liver transplantation in patients with chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Steib
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, France
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Regueira FM, Cienfuegos JA, Pardo F, Hernández JL, Díez-Caballero A, Sierra A, Nwose E, Espí A, Baixaulí J, Rotellar F. Improvement in early function of the hepatic graft after treatment of the donor with N-acetylcysteine: clinical study. Transplant Proc 1997; 29:3350-2. [PMID: 9414744 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(97)00938-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- F M Regueira
- Department of Surgery, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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