The significance of appropriate controls in surgical microRNA studies of the liver

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a novel class of small, non-coding nucleotides that have been shown to critically affect hepatocyte proliferation during liver development, regeneration, and carcinogenesis. Studies on liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy (PH) have identified several miRNAs that could be involved in the regulation of liver regeneration. In this regard, the impact of the surgical procedure itself on miRNA expression patterns of the liver should not be missed. Methods: We addressed the question weather surgery influences miRNA expression of the liver by performing sham laparotomy or…