FK506 may reduce early liver injury following living related liver transplantation.

Background/Aims: We investigated the influence of FK506 which has been used frequently after transplant surgery as an immunosuppressant, on liver injury after partial hepatectomy by comparing laboratory data from donors and recipients after liver transplantation. Methodology: Seventeen donors and respective recipients who underwent living related donor liver transplantation were included in the present study. Serum levels of transaminases and cytokines were measured and compared preoperatively and in the early period after the operation. Results: Serum level of asparaginic acid aminotransferase in the postoperative day 1 was significantly higher in the donor group. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase in the early period after the operation were significantly higher in the donor group. Serum levels of interferon γ and soluble Fas ligand in the early period after the operation were significantly higher in the donor group. Steroid doses administered were significantly higher in the recipient group. Conclusions: FK506 administration and steroid administration in larger doses were thought to reduce serum transaminase levels of the recipient group. These findings might suggest that cell-mediated immunity weigh heavier than the operation time of ischemia-reperfusion injury as a cause of liver injury after partial hepatectomy.