Basic science in liver transplantation

Abstract

<p>Liver transplantation has been recognized as the best treatment for patients with end-stage liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver graft injury and cancer recurrence are major obstacles affecting outcome posttransplantation. Liver graft injury is a complex process of responses which involves various pathological mechanisms such as cell death programs, complement system activation, and abnormal release of reactive oxygen species and nitrogen. The innate and adaptive immune responses, which are mainly contributed by neutrophils, Kupffer cells, CD4⁺ T cells, and NK and NKT cells, play critical roles in liver graft injury. Acute phase liver graft injury triggered hepatic damages and inflammatory responses which not only create favorable environments for tumor growth but also advocate tumor cells more aggressive, increasing the risk of liver cancer recurrence. Liver graft injury also enhances the mobilization and recruitment of circulatory progenitor cells and immune cells into the liver graft, facilitating cancer recurrence.<br></p>