The Journal of surgical research
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Liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy is regulated by several factors that activate or inhibit hepatocyte proliferation. A short period of ischemia-reperfusion (IR), called ischemic preconditioning (IPC), protects the liver against subsequent sustained ischemic insults. The present study investigated the effects of IPC on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy under IR in rats. ⋯ These results suggest that ischemic pre-conditioning ameliorates the hepatic injury associated with ischemia-reperfusion and has a stimulatory effect on liver cell regeneration that may make it valuable as a hepatoprotective modality. Il-6 appears to be key mediator in promoting regeneration after combined ischemia and hepatic resection.
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Because skin thins with advancing age, traditional thickness skin grafts cannot always be obtained in very elderly burn patients without creating a new full-thickness wound at the skin graft donor site. ⋯ This initial experience suggests that use of Alloderm may allow more elderly burn patients to undergo operative wound closure, thus improving functional outcome and reducing hospitalization. Unfortunately, long-term survival for very elderly burn patients remains poor.