A novel tumor necrosis factor-α suppressant, ONO-SM362, prevents liver failure and promotes liver regeneration after extensive hepatectomy

Background. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is a cytokine that initiates liver regeneration after hepatectomy (HTx), although extensive HTx can cause liver failure with significant rise in serum TNF-alpha levels. To test our hypothesis that modulation of endogenous TNT-alpha attenuates liver failure even after extensive HTx, we used ONO-SM362, a novel TNF-alpha inhibitor, in mice subjected to 85% HTx. Methods. ICR mice were divided into 5 groups: 70% HTx, 85% HTx, 85% HTx plus ONO-SM362, 85% HTx plus monoclonal TNF-alpha antibody (mAb), and 85% HTx plus FRI67653, a TAT-alpha inhibitor. We analyzed the survival rate, blood ammonia (NH3), serum TNF-alpha levels, TNF-alpha mRNA expression in the liver and spleen by real-time polymerase chain reaction, histologic changes, polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) infiltration, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index (PCNA LI) in the 5 groups. Results. The survival rate at 7 days after surgery was 100%, 0%, 100%, 50%, and 0%, for the 70% HTx, 85% HTx, 85% HTx + ONO-SM362, 85% HTx + mAb, and 85% HTx + FRI67653, respectively. Mice that underwent 85% HTx died from liver failure associated with a significant rise in serum TNF-alpha level. ONO-SM362 and mAb improved animal survival and enhanced PCNA LI. In, addition, ONO-SM362 inhibited TAT-a mRNA expression in the remnant liver and suppressed PMNs infiltration. Conclusions. Suppression of excessive TNF-alpha production using ONO-SM362 ameliorated liver failure after 85% HTx.