【Animal Modeling】-The effect of genipin on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in ob/ob mice

  Objective: To investigate the changes of liver regeneration function in ob/ob mice with genetic defect of leptin gene after partial hepatectomy and the effect of genipin on liver regeneration.

  Methods: Twenty ob/ob mice were randomly divided into genipin group (obG) and vehicle group (obP) according to different treatment methods, and then randomly divided into hepatectomy (partial hepatectomy, PH) according to the time after hepatectomy. ) The latter 2d and 10d groups. C57BL/6J mice were used as the control group during the same period. Serum and liver specimens were collected. The liver regeneration rate was calculated; the positive expression rate of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was detected by immunohistochemical staining. ; Use Feulgen staining method to detect liver cell DNA content; use Western Blot method to detect signal transducer and activator of transcription STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription STAT3) expression; serum biochemical detection of liver function indicators.

  Results: Compared with C57BL/6J mice, ob/ob mice liver cells were filled with lipid droplets of varying sizes, hepatocyte ballooning and small focal necrosis; liver regeneration rate (P<0.05), number of PCNA positive cells ( P<0.01) and liver cell DNA content (P<0.01) were significantly reduced. Compared with the vehicle group, the genipin group had reduced hepatocellular lesions and significantly increased binuclear hepatocytes; liver regeneration rate (P<0.05), PCNA-positive cells (P<0.01) and liver cell DNA content (P<0.01) increased; serum ALT, AST, LDH levels decreased (P<0.05); p-STAT3 expression increased (P<0.05).

  Conclusion: liver regeneration is delayed after partial hepatectomy in ob/ob mice with fatty liver; genipin can promote liver regeneration in ob/ob mice and improve liver function.