Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in liver transplant setting: mechanisms and protective strategies

Abstract

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury is a major cause of liver transplant failure, and is of increasing significance due to increased use of expanded criteria livers for transplantation. This review summarizes the mechanisms and protective strategies for hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in the context of liver transplantation. Pharmacological therapies, the use of pre-and post-conditioning and machine perfusion are discussed as protective strategies. The use of machine perfusion offers significant potential in the reconditioning of liver grafts and the prevention of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, and is an exciting and active area of research, which needs more study clinically.

Introduction

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a pathological process that involves ischemia-mediated cellular damage followed by a paradoxical exacerbation upon reperfusion of the liver. Hepatic IRI can be classified into two distinct types: warm and cold IRI, which share a similar underlying pathophysiology, albeit with differences especially in the clinical setting^[1]. Warm IRI is initiated by hepatocellular damage and occurs during liver transplantation surgery, shock and trauma where there may be a transient fall in blood flow to the liver^[2]. Cold IRI is unique to the setting of liver transplantation and is initiated by hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells and disruption of the microcirculation^[1,3]. It occurs during cold storage of the organ prior to transplantation. Both types of IRI are associated with a sterile local, innate immune response^[4–5]. Hepatic IRI leads to raised liver enzymes, biliary strictures and graft dysfunction^[6]. Hepatic IRI increases the rate of acute and chronic rejection, and is estimated to be responsible for 10% of early organ failure^{[7– 8]}. Hepatic IRI in some cases can lead to multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), both of which have high rates of mortality and morbidity^[9].

Hepatic IRI is of increasing importance in the current national shortage of donor organ supply. Liver transplantation is the standard treatment for patients with end-stage liver failure or primary hepatic malignancy^[10]. In the UK, the number of patients on the waiting list for a liver transplant has close to be double in the last decade, and around 15% to 20% of these patients will die while waiting for a transplant^[11]. Living donor transplantation is a potential way to address the shortfall of organ donors, however, there are concerns about the serious complications and donor mortality of this procedure. About 3% of living donors donate a lobe of their liver^[12]. The main focus of addressing the organ shortage has been on using expanded criteria donor (ECD) organs such as those from older, steatotic, cardiac arrest and/or brain death donors. These ‘marginal’ organs are more susceptible to hepatic IRI^[10,13]. For these reasons hepatic IRI has been the subject of much research over the past decade to identify the pathophysiology and design targeted therapies to alleviate its effects. In this review, we provide a summary of the pathophysiology and report on different protective strategies for hepatic IRI.

Pathophysiology

Overview

Hepatic IRI is a complex process, which involves many different cell types, the interplay of numerous signaling pathways. Despite being the subject of intense research over the last decade, the mechanism of hepatic IRI is still poorly understood, partially due to the complexity of the process. However, two distinct phases have been identified (Fig. 1). First, the ischemic insult causes functional changes, which facilitate cellular injury^[14]. Second, reperfusion of the liver exacerbates the initial injury, which can further be divided into two phases: an early phase which lasts 2 hours after reperfusion and a late phase which lasts 6 to 48 hours after reperfusion^[15–16]. The early phase of reperfusion is due to the activation of Kupffer cells (KCs) and sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) and the resultant reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation^[16–17]. The late phase of reperfusion is caused by the infiltration of neutrophils and CD4⁺ T-lymphocytes, which release proteases and other cytotoxic enzymes that promote cellular degradation^[17–19]. Hepatic IRI can have global consequences, impacting on many remote organs including the: lungs, kidneys, intestines, pancreas and adrenal glands and leading to MODS^[20]. The key processes and factors involved in hepatic IRI are: oxidative stress, anaerobic metabolism, nitrous oxide (NO), KCs and neutrophils, mitochondria, intracellular calcium overload, cytokines and chemokines (Fig. 2).

1.

Schematic showing the timeline of the different phases of hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI).

2.

Pathophysiology of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI).

Anaerobic metabolism and acidosis

Ischemia results in decreased oxidative phosphorylation, a switch from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism and a fall in ATP production in hepatocytes, SECs and KCs^[21]. Increased anaerobic metabolism in hepatocytes leads to intracellular acidosis^[22]. The increased intracellular hydrogen ion (H⁺) concentration leads to increased activity of the sodium (Na⁺)/H⁺ exchanger, which results in increased intracellular Na⁺ concentration. Decreased activity of the ATP-dependent Na⁺/potassium (K⁺) exchanger, further increases the concentration of intracellular Na⁺ resulting in cellular swelling and death^[23]. This results in narrowing of the sinusoidal lumen and reduction in microcirculatory blood flow. ATP depletion has a key role in the culmination of necrosis, as illustrated by the attenuation of cell death in SECs and hepatocytes administered glycolytic substrates^[24]. Acidosis acts to limit cell damage by suppressing the activity of proteolytic enzymes and phospholipases and by limiting the formation of mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pores^[25]. Upon reperfusion, the pH of the affected tissue returns to normal, which activates pH-dependent enzymes and results in increased apoptosis and necrosis^[26].

Intracellular calcium overload

Calcium (Ca²⁺) levels are tightly regulated to maintain a low intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration. Ca²⁺ homeostasis is reliant on ATP-dependent processes. The increase in intracellular Na+ concentration during ischemia stimulates the Na+/Ca²⁺ exchanger, which causes an increase in movement of Ca²⁺ into the cell. Activation of ryanodine receptors in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in the plasma membrane promotes increased cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration^[27–28]. Additionally, ATP depletion inhibits Ca²⁺-ATPase channels in the plasma membrane and ER further contributing to intracellular Ca²⁺ overload. This activates Ca²⁺-dependent enzymes including phospholipases and calpains and leads to apoptosis^[29]. Increased cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration stimulates Ca²⁺ uniporters in the mitochondrial membrane, leading to an increase in mitochondrial Ca²⁺ concentration^[30]. The disruption of Ca²⁺ homeostasis triggers the formation of MPT pores which results in either apoptosis or necrosis^[31]. Calcium channel blockers have been shown to lower the rise in cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels and reduce cellular damage, which demonstrates the importance of Ca²⁺ overload in hepatic IRI^[32–35].

Role of mitochondria

During hepatic IRI, the increase in intracellular concentrations of Ca²⁺, Na⁺ and H⁺ all contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and lead to MPT. The formation of MPT pores causes irreversible damage of the affected mitochondria due to depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane^[36]. When a small number of hepatocyte mitochondria are affected, they are degraded by the process of mitophagy^[37]. Mitophagy is important for cell survival, as damaged mitochondria are responsible for increases in both ATP consumption and ROS generation^[38]. As the proportion of mitochondria undergoing MPT increases, cytochrome C is released from mitochondria initiating apoptosis^[39]. When the majority of mitochondria undergo MPT, ATP levels plummet, leading to necrosis of hepatocytes^[31,40]. MPT is a common pathway leading to necrosis and apoptosis following hepatic IRI, with necrosis being the predominant mechanism of cellular death^[40]. The mitochondria are the largest source of tissue ROS generation upon reperfusion in hepatic IRI^[41].

Oxidative stress

ROS are produced as intermediates or by-products of normal physiological reactions such as oxidative phosphorylation, lipid degradation and inflammation. Cells have effective endogenous antioxidant defense systems to combat these intracellular sources of ROS. The liver has high levels of antioxidants including glutathione, catalase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase^[42]. Under homeostatic conditions the liver ’s antioxidant system is effective at combating the damaging effects of ROS. However, upon reperfusion of the ischemic liver, elevated levels of ROS such as superoxide (O₂^–), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) can be measured, which overwhelm the hepatic antioxidant system leading to oxidative stress^[15,42–43]. Although the exact origin of ROS has yet to be elucidated, the main sources are mitochondrial metabolism, xanthine oxide reductase and NADPH oxidase^[44–46]. ROS can cause damage through protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage^[47]. ROS additionally can damage endothelial cells compromising the microvasculature^[48]. ATP depletion, oxidative stress and microcirculatory disturbances initiate apoptosis and necrosis^[49–50].

Role of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET)

NO and ET have a key role in regulating blood flow within liver sinusoids, through causing contraction of stellate cells. ET causes contraction of stellate cells in a dose-dependent manner whereas NO causes their relaxation^[51]. Hepatic IRI may occur due to an imbalance in the ratio of ET to NO. In the first few hours after reperfusion there is an increase in plasma levels of ET and a concomitant fall in plasma levels of NO^{[52– 53]}. NO is synthesized from L-arginine by the enzyme NO synthase (NOS), of which there are several isoforms. Stimulation of inducible NOS (iNOS) worsens hepatic IRI. iNOS knockout mice subjected to hepatic ischemic reperfusion had lower levels of matrix metalloprotease-9 activity and leukocyte migration in the liver^[54]. In contrast, endothelial NOS (eNOS) has been shown to be protective in hepatic IRI through counteracting the deleterious effects of ROS on the liver^[55]. NO has a plethora of effects including: causing vasodilation, inhibiting platelet aggregation, inhibiting leukocyte adhesion to vascular endothelial cells, and inhibiting caspases to prevent apoptosis^[55]. NO also plays a key role in suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and regulating innate and adaptive immunity^[56–57]. Strategies aimed at boosting endogenous NO production or delivering exogenous NO have been shown to mitigate the effects of hepatic IRI^[58–60].

KCs and neutrophils

KCs are resident liver macrophages and form the liver sinusoids together with SECs, hepatic stellate cells and dendritic cells. KCs together with neutrophils play a key role in the development of hepatic IRI. Suppression of KCs with gadolinium chloride attenuates hepatic IRI, whereas activation with latex particles during reperfusion has been shown to worsen the injury^[61]. In early reperfusion, KCs become activated and produce ROS, which contributes to hepatic IRI as previously described^[62]. The complement system has a key role in activating KCs and also in directly lysing hepatocytes contributing to hepatic IRI^[63–64]. Activated KCs additionally produce pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)^[65]. These cytokines stimulate the increased expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on the surface of hepatocytes and SECs^[66–67]. which causes the activation and migration of CD4⁺ T-cells and neutrophils^[68]. Neutrophils bind to ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and move into the liver parenchyma from the endothelial lumen. The neutrophils secrete matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), other proteases and ROS which causes liver damage^[44]. In rats, anti-ICAM-1 antibodies have attenuated hepatic IRI following orthotopic liver transplantation^[69], supporting the important role of neutrophils in hepatic IRI.

Role of cytokines and chemokines

Reperfusion of the ischemic liver triggers the release of cytokines responsible for initiating and maintaining an inflammatory response, which causes hepatic IRI^[70]. The cytokine cascade begins with an increase in production of IL-12 and IL-23 by hepatic stellate cells and KCs^[71]. Neutralization of IL-12 or IL-23 blunts the rise of TNF-α and IFN-γ post reperfusion, resulting in less neutrophil migration and liver damage^[72–73]. TNF-α is possibly an important mediator in the inflammatory response during hepatic IRI^[74]. TNF-α has several important functions, including inducing synthesis of the chemokine epithelial neutrophil activating protein-78 (ENA-78), upregulating expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on endothelial cells and activating the transcription factor NF-kβ^[75–76]. Neutralization of TNF-α prevents hepatic IRI by suppressing the inflammatory response^[74]. IL-1β is another early response cytokine shown to magnify the inflammatory response during IRI. Antagonism of IL-1β has been shown to reduce TNF-α expression and liver damage during hepatic IRI^[77]. Chemokines are low molecular weight proteins that stimulate the recruitment of leukocytes. During reperfusion, high levels of ELR+ CXC chemokines are produced, which contributes to the recruitment and activation of neutrophils^[72,78]. Neutralization of ELR+ CXC chemokines, attenuates neutrophil accumulation and subsequent liver damage, albeit partially suggesting non-chemokine chemoattractants may play a role in the recruitment of neutrophils such as leukotriene B4^[79]. IL-13 in an anti-inflammatory cytokine that inhibits NF-kβ, which has been shown to have a protective role in hepatic IRI by reducing liver damage and increasing liver regeneration^[80].

Protective strategies

Therapeutics

Multiple pharmacological treatments have been trialed in the prevention of hepatic IRI. They are mainly aimed at combating the increased oxidative stress during hepatic IRI or using immunomodulation. Some of these treatments will be briefly reviewed.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a potent endogenous antioxidant synthesized in the pineal gland^[81–82]. Melatonin acts directly as a free radical scavenger, as well as indirectly through upregulating the expression of several antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase^{[83– 84]}. Multiple studies have shown that melatonin attenuates hepatic IRI through the preservation of ATP synthesis and mitochondrial function^[85–86]. The addition of melatonin to perfusate in rat models of cold storage improved bile production and maintained hepatic ATP levels during IRI^[87].

Noble gases

Ex-vivo preservation of organs prior to transplant shows beneficial effects across a range of conditions and organs^[88]. However, there has been limited research into the protection offered in the context of hepatic IRI. A case series of 4 patients who underwent xenon anesthesia during liver transplantation were all found hemodynamically stable with normal liver function 7 days post-operatively^[89]. Further research should investigate the role of noble gases in the prevention of hepatic IRI.

N-acetylcysteine

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a glutathione precursor. NAC has been shown to be effective against hepatic IRI in animal models^[90–91]. Multiple clinical trials on patients undergoing liver transplantation, have shown that administration of intravenous NAC is associated with a lower incidence of primary graft dysfunction and improved liver function^[91–92]. However, the literature is mixed and some studies fail to show a benefit of intravenous NAC in hepatic IRI^[93–94].

P-selectin inhibitors

P-selectin blockade has been shown to be effective against hepatic IRI^[95]. Treatment with a recombinant P-selectin antagonist (rPSGL-Ig) has been shown effective against hepatic IRI, by reducing neutrophil and leukocyte infiltration, and decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines^[96–97]. rPSFL-Ig has been associated with improved survival and hepatic function in a rat model of hepatic IRI^[96]. A phase Ⅱ study of rPSGL-Ig in patients undergoing deceased donor whole liver transplantation found a beneficial effect on graft function through lower AST and ALT, however, the results were not statistically significant^[98].

Caspase inhibitors

Studies have shown that the use of the caspase inhibitor IDN-6556 in models of hepatic IRI results in decreased hepatic apoptosis and injury^[99–100]. A phase Ⅱ trial was designed to test whether supplementation of the preservation solution with IDN-6556 was able to reduce hepatic IRI. IDN-6556 was also administered intravenously to the transplant recipients 0.5 μg/kg every 6 hours for 24 or 48 hours. The study found that IDN-6556 lowered apoptosis markers, hepatic injury and delayed graft dysfunction when added only to the storage and flush solutions^[101]. Interestingly, when given intravenously the beneficial effect was abrogated, which may be explained by the prevention of neutrophil apoptosis, thus prolonging the inflammatory response^[101].

Novel targets

Akt activators

Akt also known as protein kinase B (PKB) is a serine/threonine kinase, which is essential for cell growth and survival^[102]. The Akt pathway is activated during hepatic IRI and is protective in nature. Ischemic preconditioning, ischemic post-conditioning, pharmacological treatments and miRNA-based therapies are four strategies to treat hepatic IRI, and they all involve activation of Akt as a key mediator^[103]. Therefore Akt is a prime target for the treatment of hepatic IRI and should be explored in human trials. Melatonin is a potential therapeutic, which activates Akt, increases FoxO1 phosphorylation and decreases markers of hepatic injury^[104].

AMPK activators

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a key role in energy homeostasis within cells, through regulating energy metabolism^[105]. Studies have shown that AMPK may provide beneficial effects in hepatic IRI^[106]. Administration of AMPK activator AICAR preserved ATP content, reduced hepatocyte apoptosis and mitigated hepatic IRI^[106]. Adiponectin displays an AMPK-dependent protective role in hepatic IRI, further supporting AMPK activation as a novel treatment for hepatic IRI^[107–108].

PPARγ agonists

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) forms a heterodimer with the retinoid X Receptor (RXR) to either induce or repress gene transcription^[109]. In hepatic IRI, PPARγ expression rises, which increases the resistance of hepatocytes to necrosis and apoptosis^[110]. Recently FAM3A has been identified as a target gene of PPARγ^[111]. FAM3A attenuates ROS generation, represses NF-kβ activation and stimulates Akt signaling pathways, which cumulatively protect against hepatic IRI^[112]. PPARγ should therefore be trialed in human hepatic IRI.

miRNA based therapies

miRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules that downregulate gene expression through different mechanisms. miRNA expression profiles have been shown to be deregulated in hepatic IRI^[113–114]. Many miRNAs are involved in hepatic IRI, however, miR-122 is the most highly expressed. Inhibition of miR-122 has been shown to protect against hepatic IRI^[112,115]. miR-34a, miR-370 and miR-155 have also been implicated in hepatic IRI^[112]. miRNAs could serve as biomarkers for hepatic IRI, and also as targets for treatment.

Ischemic pre-conditioning (IPC) and ischemic post-conditioning (IPostC)

IPC

IPC involves exposing the liver to a brief period of ischemia (5 –15 minutes), usually by portal triad clamping, followed by a longer period of reperfusion (10 –20 minutes), prior to a period of prolonged ischemia. There is strong pre-clinical evidence of the benefits of IPC with numerous experimental and animal studies which show IPC reduces the severity of hepatic IRI by promoting the survival of hepatocytes^[116]. IPC has been shown to lower oxidative stress by decreasing mitochondrial ROS production during hepatic IRI^[117]. IPC activates heme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1), an antioxidant enzyme, constitutively expressed in endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells and hepatocytes^[118]. Inhibition of HO-1 with protoporphyrin Ⅳ in rat models of IPC worsens hepatic IRI. Autophagy is another mechanism involved in the protection provided by IPC. Livers administered IPC show markers of elevated autophagy, and in rats subjected to IPC, inhibition of autophagy with wortmanin worsens hepatic IRI^[119]. During IPC the mild increase in oxidative stress triggers cellular adaptation by reducing the activity of ATP synthase, thus conserving hepatic ATP levels and increasing the tolerance of cells to MPT^{[120– 121]}. IPC selectively induces increased activity of eNOS which is protective against hepatic IRI^[122]. Levels of transaminases, namely aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) are the most reliable biomarkers of liver injury, and are used to show the protective effects of IPC. IPC has been demonstrated to decrease circulating levels of AST and ALT^[123].

Despite the favorable reduction in biomarkers for liver damage, the long-term effects on morbidity and mortality have not been so promising. A cochrane review published in 2008 included 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed no statistically significant differences in mortality, graft function or graft failure of IPC in the context of liver transplantation^[124]. A recent review analyzed 9 clinical trials of IPC in liver transplantation and found that 6 trials did not demonstrate any difference between the IPC group compared to the control group^[125]. The time of ischemia to the liver has been suggested as a cause for the discrepancy in results of clinical trials examining IPC to date, therefore an optimum time for ischemia should be decided for subsequent trials^[126–127].

IPostC

IPostC occurs after prolonged ischemia to the organ, and involves administering bursts of controlled reperfusion prior to continuous reperfusion within the recipient^[128]. IPostC is more clinically relevant than IPC due to the timing of the procedure, since the timing of ischemia particularly in the liver transplantation setting cannot always be predicted. IPC must be delivered before the onset of the ischemia, which is not always possible. The mechanisms responsible for the protection offered by IPC and IPostC appear to be similar (Fig. 3). It is thought that abrupt reperfusion flushes out endogenous protective substances, whereas a controlled, slower reperfusion maintains protective substances within the liver tissue for longer. IPostC causes increased expression of antioxidant enzymes, reduced neutrophil infiltration^[129–130] and increased expression of anti-apoptotic enzymes^[131]. IPostC additionally has been shown to modify MPT and to upregulate activity of eNOS and iNOS which may explain the favorable effects on the microcirculation^[132–133]. Multiple comparison studies reveal that IPostC offers a similar level of protection to IPC^[128].

3.

Mechanisms of action of ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) and ischaemic postconditioning (IPostC).

Two clinical trials have used IPostC for liver transplantation. Both trials showed no benefits of IPostC on post-operative liver function tests or long-term mortality and morbidity^[134–135]. However, one of the trials showed improved tolerance to hepatic IRI on histological findings, whereas interestingly the other trial showed that IPostC achieved a significant reduction in post-operative AKI^[134]. Similar to IPC, calculating an optimal ischemic time may bring favorable impact on the translation of preclinical results into improvements in clinical outcomes for patients.

Machine perfusion

Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP)

Machine perfusion has been the subject of much attention in the field of liver transplantation, and current evidence suggests that it will be most beneficial when applied to ECD organs. Machine perfusion aims to allow reconditioning of ECD organs, the testing of organ function and extension of organ preservation^[136]. The perfusate used for HMP is similar to that used for static cold storage (SCS) and the perfusion technique is cheaper and simpler than normothermic machine perfusion (NMP). The main limitation of HMP is that data cannot be generated to assess liver function^[137–138]. HMP is usually performed between 8 °C and 12 °C, although the optimal temperature is currently up for debate. Lower temperatures have the advantage of depressed metabolic activity, but cause increased viscosity^[139]. This necessitates the use of a higher perfusion pressure, which increases the risk of SEC damage^[140]. Additional oxygenation of HMP perfusate (HOPE) seems to be the key in preventing hepatic IRI^[141]. In contrast to NMP, HOPE decreases the release of ROS during reperfusion^[141]. HOPE additionally decreases inflammatory response pathways and causes the complete restoration of mitochondrial ATP status within 2 hours^[141–142].

Using HMP in marginal livers from donors after brain death (DBD) showed reduced hospital stay and biliary complications compared to SCS controls, which was achieved without the use of additional oxygenation^[143]. Promising data on the use of HOPE for livers from donors after cardiac death (DCD) has resulted in the nationwide adoption of HOPE for all DCD livers in the context of liver transplantation. Comparison of outcomes of these organs with matched SCS controls from the UK and the Netherlands has revealed a lower incidence of biliary complications and superior 1-year graft survival^[144]. The first long-term study of the use of HOPE in 50 marginal DCD livers revealed a similar 5-year survival when compared to low risk DBD liver transplantation^[145]. Further research will be needed to determine the optimal perfusion route and level of oxygenation for HOPE.

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP)

NMP uses a blood-based perfusate to perfuse the liver and maintain physiological metabolism during the preservation period. NMP is typically commenced at the site of organ retrieval, and is maintained for 3 –19 hours during organ transport before transplantation into the recipient^[146]. NMP reduces the severity of hepatic IRI. NMP is thought to help maintain a healthy endothelium and replenish hepatic ATP stores, which has been demonstrated in a porcine model^[147]. Glycogen repletion of the liver following NMP has been demonstrated in human studies^[148]. NMP alters the expression of genes involved in liver regeneration and the control of inflammation^[149]. NMP has been shown to be beneficial in extending liver preservation with the longest preservation time close to 19 hours^[150]. NMP played a role in the successful transplantation of a marginal liver 26 hours after procurement, through assessing its viability and enabling the transplant to be delayed until exclusion of extra-hepatic malignancy^[151]. Extended preservation time afforded by the use of NMP brings about new challenges such as counteracting the prolonged sheer stress red blood cells (RBCs) are exposed to. To overcome this, Hemopure, an acellular haemoglobin-based carrier has been developed and tested in a liver model of NMP. The results showed increased oxygen extraction in Hemopure perfused livers compared with those perfused with RBCs, but no difference was found in markers of cell death^[152].

In contrast to HMP, NMP allows the generation of data that can be used to assess the viability of the liver^[148,153]. Currently, no objective markers are used to determine viability for liver transplantation and livers are discarded based on the assessment of donor characteristics and gross appearance of the liver^[154–155]. Based on pre-clinical experiments, composite criteria to assess viability for transplant was formed, according to macroscopic appearance, vascular flows, lactate clearance and bile production^[156]. These criteria were applied to 6 livers (4 DCD and 2 DBD) declined by all UK transplant centres and subjected to NMP. Of these 6 livers, 5 met the viability criteria and were successfully transplanted with immediate liver function, and normalized liver function tests within a month^[148]. Other groups have proposed alternate criteria for assessing viability: Watsonet al.^[157] suggest viability assessment based on bile pH and perfusate transaminases. The ability of the liver to produce alkaline bile has been hypothesized as a marker of acceptable cholangiocyte function. If validated, this marker will allow the prevention of liver transplants with a limited life span^[157]. Future liver viability assessment may use metabolomics profiling or microRNA analysis^[158–159].

The first clinical study of NMP in 16 DBD livers and 4 DCD livers showed significantly lower peak AST in the first week postoperatively compared to SCS controls, which may indicate a reduction in the severity of hepatic IRI^[146]. The first randomized controlled trial by the Consortium of Organ Preservation in Europe (COPE) has recently been completed. Two hundred and twenty two livers were transplanted, of which 121 were NMP and 101 SCS. The study showed that NMP was associated with a 50% lower rate of organ discard and a 50% lower level of AST release, despite 54% longer mean preservation times^[160]. There were no significant differences in graft survival, bile duct complications or patient survival, however, the authors acknowledged that larger trials were required to test these outcomes^[160]. The increase in utilization and in preservation times may be the greatest strength of NMP, through allowing the transplantation of currently deemed “untransplantable” organs.

Future perspectives

Assessing organ viability prior to transplantation, and improving the quality of liver grafts are the two main barriers to the use of marginal livers. NMP may address both of these limitations. It is necessary to determine whether NMP is as effective after a period of SCS, or whether it is required for the full period of organ preservation.

The use of steatotic organs is severely limited by their increased susceptibility to hepatic IRI^[161]. Macrovesicular steatosis in 30% or more of hepatocytes has been shown to decrease graft survival 1 year post-transplant by 71%^[162]. Animal studies show that high sensitivity of steatotic livers to hepatic IRI can be reversed by “defatting” the livers^[163]. NMP has been shown to be capable of reducing macrovesicular steatosis in rat livers^[164]. Unpublished data by Bosteon and colleagues show the solubilisation of fat starting within 3 hours and lasting up to 24 hours of NMP, which results in better metabolic parameters and histologic improvement^[165]. Further research should investigate whether defatting livers results in improved clinical outcomes in human trials.

NMP is unique in that it allows for treatment of the liver ex vivo during the preservation period. This can be applied in the context of defatting. However, it can also be used to treat the liver with anti-inflammatory drugs, which has been shown to significantly lower the production of AST, IL-6, TNF-α and increase IL-10 compared to the untreated controls^[166]. NMP will allow for the delivery of gene-based therapies such as myr-Akt, which induces cytoprotection against hepatic IRI^[167]. The addition of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to perfusate may allow the regrowth of damaged organs before transplantation^[168].

Conclusion

Hepatic IRI is a pathological process, which involves ischemia-mediated cellular damage exacerbated upon reperfusion. It is estimated to be responsible for 10% of early organ failure in the liver transplant setting. The pathophysiology of hepatic IRI is complex and involves numerous pathways. The key mediators involve ATP depletion, intracellular acidosis, increased intracellular Ca²⁺ overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, ROS generation, NO and ET, KC and neutrophil activation, chemokines and cytokines. Numerous drugs have been trialed for the prevention of hepatic IRI, some of which have been reviewed in this article. Akt activators, AMPK activators, PPARγ agonists and miRNA-based therapies have all been identified as promising treatment strategies and warrant further clinical research. IPC and IPostC have extensive preclinical evidence supporting their use, however, clinical evidence has been more ambiguous. Therefore, IPC and IPostC warrant further research with optimized protocols to validate their efficacy. The greatest potential in the treatment of hepatic IRI is machine perfusion, specifically NMP, which additionally allows for assessment of organ viability and reconditioning of the organ prior to transplantation. If validated, NMP will allow the use and reconditioning of marginal livers, which will help reduce the national shortage of livers for transplantation. Further clinical research should therefore be directed at NMP and the reconditioning of marginal livers.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by British Journal of Anaesthesia Fellowship grant, NIAA, London, UK.