(EFFECT OF ZINC ON LIVER CELL REGENERATION IN HEPATECTOMIZED BILHARZIAL AND NON-BILLHARZIAL HAMSTERS (EXPERTMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

The aim of this study was, to assess the effect of different dietary levels of zinc on the regenerative power of the liver cells in hamsters with hepatic bilharzia! peri-portal fibrosis as well as in non-bilharzia! hamsters. The results of the present study shows that bilharziasis impedes the regenerative response after 35% hepatectomy, whereas excess zinc administration played a role in the enhancing regenerative response of hepatocytes in the bilharzia! groups. This has been attributed to the fact that zinc inhibits the hepatocyte DNA fragmentation with an increase in the hepatic metallothionein concentrations. These are in turn responsible for improving not only the regenerative ability but also the liver pathology in the form of smaller, fewer granulomas with minimal portal tract fibrosis and minimal inflammation.