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The liver can regenerate up to two-thirds of its tissue after damage or surgical removal. Research shows that liver cells have an almost infinite capacity to regenerate and can continue to perform basic functions during the regeneration process.
Liver regeneration is a phenomenon by which the liver can regrow its tissue to repair itself from damage or surgical removal of up to two-thirds of its tissue. Research seems to suggest that, when up to two-thirds of a patient’s liver is removed, liver regeneration can return the liver to its normal size within a week. Research on dogs has shown that small livers transplanted into large dogs can grow to the appropriate size, while large livers transplanted into small dogs usually shrink to the appropriate size. Similar examples of liver growth or shrinkage have been observed in human liver transplant recipients. Researchers are still studying the mechanisms of liver regeneration, but they believe liver cells have an almost infinite capacity to regenerate.
The self-healing powers demonstrated by human and animal livers are believed to be immense. There are many examples of complete regeneration of the liver following partial hepatectomy, or surgical removal of a portion of the liver. Experts believe that multiple instances of liver regeneration are possible in the same patient. Researchers working with animals have observed up to a dozen cases of liver regeneration in the same test subject.
The tissue regeneration process in the liver typically begins about 10 to 12 hours after the damage has occurred, and it takes an average of three days for the liver to fully heal itself. When part of the liver is damaged or removed, the remaining liver cells begin to secrete a substance known as hepatocyte growth factor. Hepatocyte growth factor stimulates hepatocytes, or liver cells, to begin reproduction. Other growth factors and hormones are typically involved, helping to stimulate the production of new biliary epithelial cells and new endothelial cells in the liver. Experts believe there is no limit to the number of times a single hepatocyte can copy itself.
Experts once believed that the liver regenerated itself by producing special cells with embryonic or fetal characteristics. Recent research suggests, however, that the liver regenerates itself through normal cell replication. Even as the liver regenerates, it generally continues to perform its basic functions in the body. These basic functions include detoxification of blood and tissue, regulation of metabolism, and regulation of fluid levels throughout the body.
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