The regenerative capacity of the biliary epithelium influences biliary complications following liver transplantation

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the regenerative activity in damaged biliary epithelium on the development of biliary complications after liver transplantation. Methods: Common bile duct samples during donor hepatectomy, after cold storage, and after reperfusion were compared to healthy controls by H&E staining and immunohistochemistry for the proliferation marker Ki-67 and further factors necessary for cell regeneration. The bile duct damage score was used to quantify biliary epithelial injury. The results were correlated with the regeneration of biliary epithelial cells. Resul…