Yong Wang MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Bin Liang, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Chuansheng Zheng, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hui Zhao, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) versus transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) on hepatic damage, hepatic fibrosis and proinflammatory response in a corresponse rabbit model.

Rabbits implanted with VX2 tumors in left lobes were randomly divided into three groups: control group, hepatic intraarterial infusion of distilled water; TAE group, left hepatic artery embolization with polyvinyl alcohol particles (PVAs). TACE group, left hepatic artery infusion of a mixture of chemotherapeutic drug and lipiodol followed by PVAs embolization. Serum and liver samples were collected at 6 hours, 3 and 7 days postprocedure. Liver damage was measured by liver function test and histology analysis. Hepatic fibrogenesis and activation of hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) was evaluated by sirius red and alpha-smooth muscle actin immunohistochemical stains. In addition, serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were assessed.

Compared with TAE, TACE caused liver damage with a greater increase in serum ALT and AST on day 3 and day 7, and histology showed increased hepatic necrosis and inflammatory activity in adjacent nontumorous liver tissue from day 3, and increased serum levels of proinflammatory response TNF-α at 6 hours. On the other hand, actived HSCs were significantly increased in TACE groups on day 3 and day 7, and collagen deposit in embolized liver were significant increased on day 7 after embolization.

In contrast to TAE, nonsuperselective TACE induced significant hepatocellular damage, hepatic fibrosis and systemic proinflammatory cytokine release, which compromised liver function and eventually led to hepatic failure.

The results showed entirely different localised parenchymal changes following TAE and TACE, and shed light on the pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of liver damage arising from TACE.

Wang, Y, Liang, B, Zheng, C, Zhao, H, Localized Parenchymal Changes Following Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization vs Transcatheter Arterial Embolization in a Rabbit Liver Tumor Model.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11007734.html