OXIDATIVE DAMAGE AND REPERFUSION SYNDROME IN HUMAN LIVER TRANSPLANTATION

In the transplanted organ, early after reperfusion, a consistent while usually transient tissue damage is detectable which could interfere with appropriate recovery and function. In the case of transplanted human liver, a certain degree of cytolysis as well as post-hepatic cholestasis have actually been monitored early after surgery (Ericzon et al., 1990; Biasi et al., 1995). Then, studies addressed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying post-transplantation liver injury are necessary. The inflammatory process which always follows a cytolytic event generates a variety of molecules actually able to modulate not only cellular function but also its genetic program. Hence, extent and duration of flogistic reactions should be controlled for not being overwhelming tissue and organ homeostasis.