Sarcopenic obesity may predict worse liver regeneration after right graft living donor liver transplantation.

Sarcopenic obesity impairs the outcome after liver transplantation. The effect of this on liver regeneration has not yet been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effect of body composition changes on liver volume gain after living donor liver transplantation. We observed liver regeneration in 100 patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation using right lobe grafts (Segments V-VIII). Liver volumetry and body composition analysis were performed based on CT images with special software. The gain of liver volume was calculated between 2 points in time considering the absolute and percentage values: before surgery and early after surgery, with a median time of 10 days. Pearson's correlation and multivariate analysis using stepwise multiple regression were used to examine the potential correlation between body composition and liver volume gain. The liver volume increase was significantly negatively correlated with adipose tissue in the body stem ( r = -0.4, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with psoas mass ( r = 0.24, p = 0.02). These results correspond with those of the multiple regression analysis, which indicated adipose tissue (ß = -1.0, p < 0.001) and psoas mass (ß = 0.12, p < 0.001). The presence of malignancy as an indication for liver transplantation was another significant independent factor negatively affecting liver growth (ß = -13.1, p = 0.046). Sarcopenic obesity predicts an impaired liver volume increase after living donation. This could worsen the postoperative outcome. The role of alimentary interventions and exercises in improving body composition and thus postoperative outcome should be evaluated through prospective interventional studies.

Value of palliative surgery in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

PURPOSE: The survival rate of patients with irresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is remarkably poor. An essential part of palliation is treatment of obstructive cholestasis caused by the tumor. Currently, this is mainly performed endoscopically by stent or via PTBD, requiring frequent changes of the stents and limiting health-related quality of life due to the multiple hospital stays needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical palliation via extrahepatic bile duct resection as an option for palliative treatment. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2016, we treated 120 pCCC patients with primary palliative care. Three treatment strategies were retrospectively considered: extrahepatic bile duct resection (EBR), exploratory laparotomy (EL), and primary palliative (PP) therapy. RESULTS: The EBR group required significantly less stenting postoperatively, and the overall morbidity was 29.4% (EBR). After the surgical procedure, fewer subsequent endoscopic treatments for stenting or PTBD were necessary in the EBR group over time. The 30-day mortality was 5.9% (EBR) and 3.4% (EL). The median overall survival averaged 570 (EBR), 392 (EL), and 247 (PP) days. CONCLUSIONS: In selected pCCC patients, palliative extrahepatic bile duct resection is a feasible option for treatment of obstructive cholestasis and should be reconsidered as a therapy option for these patients even in a palliative setting.

Pathogen detection in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: Implications for targeted perioperative antibiotic therapy.

BACKGROUND: Cholestasis should be relieved by biliary drainage prior to major liver resection. This condition is often associated with bacterial colonization of the otherwise sterile biliary system. Cholangitis reduces the regenerative capacity of the remaining liver. Therefore, targeted antibiotic therapy is a key feature in perioperative treatment in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCC). METHODS: Between December 1999 and December 2017, 251 pCCC patients were treated in our center. In total, 115 patients underwent a microbiological analysis. In addition to the characterization of the specific microorganisms and antibiotic resistance, we analyzed subgroups according to preoperative intervention. RESULTS: Enterococci (87/254, 34%) and Enterobacteria (65/254, 26%) were the most frequently detected genera. In 43% (50/115) of patients, Enterococcus faecalis was found in the bile duct sample. Enterococcus faecium (29/115) and Escherichia coli (29/115) were detected in 25% of patients. In patients with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (3/8, 38%) or stents (24/79, 30%), Enterococcus faecium was diagnosed most frequently (P < 0.05). Enterococcus faecium and Klebsiella oxytoca were significantly more frequently noted in the time period after 2012 (P < 0.05). With regard to fungal colonization, the focus was on various Candida strains, but these strains generally lacked resistance. CONCLUSIONS: pCCC patients exhibit specific bacterial colonization features depending on the type of preoperative biliary intervention. Specifically, targeted antibiosis should be applied in this patient cohort to minimize the risk of biliary complications after major liver resection. In our cohort, the combination of meropenem and vancomycin represents an effective perioperative medical approach.

Simultaneous right-sided nephrectomy with orthotopic liver and kidney transplantation-An alternative method for patients with autosomal dominant polycystic liver and kidney disease.

PURPOSE: In patients suffering from autosomal dominant polycystic liver and kidney disease (ADPLKD), combined organ transplantation often poses a technical challenge due to the large volume of both organs. To simplify the transplantation procedure by improving the exposure of anatomical structures, we introduce a novel surgical technique of orthotopic liver and kidney transplantation. METHODS: The modified simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation technique via a right-sided L-incision included three steps: (1) right-sided nephrectomy in the recipient followed by (2) orthotopic liver transplantation in cava replacement technique and (3) the orthotopic kidney transplantation with arterial reconstruction to the right common iliac artery. RESULTS: In total, seven patients with ADPLKD were transplanted by using the modified transplantation technique. The mean operation time was 342.43 min (±68.77). Postoperative patients were treated for 6.28 days (±2.50) in the intensive care unit and were discharged from the surgical ward approximately 28 days (±5.66) after the operation with normal graft function. Complications associated with the use of the modified technique, such as bleeding, anastomotic stenosis, biloma, or urinoma, did not occur. CONCLUSION: Modified simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation is a safe alternative for patients with ADPLKD. By combining right-sided nephrectomy and orthotopic graft transplantation, the approach optimizes the exposure of anatomical structures and simplifies the transplantation procedure. Additionally, the modified transplantation technique does not require a particular organ explantation procedure and can be applied for all liver and kidney grafts.

[Education of Abdominal Organ Procurement Surgeons in Germany - Challenges and Possible Solutions]. / Ausbildung von Entnahmechirurgen abdomineller Organe in Deutschland ­ Herausforderungen und Lösungsansätze.

The procurement of abdominal organs is a highly specialised operation, which marks the first important step for a successful transplantation. The article gives an overview of the organisation and the current state of the education of procurement surgeons in Germany. We comment on current challenges and discuss these in an international context.

Experiences with surgically treated primary or secondary hepatic sarcoma.

PURPOSE: Liver resection in hepatic sarcoma is rare, but other alternative treatment options are scarce. Surgery offers the only aggressive approach to achieve a tumour-free state. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the outcome and survival of these patients at a single hepato-biliary university hospital. METHODS: Between January 2004 and July 2013, 896 anatomical liver resections were performed. Eleven liver resections (1.2%) were performed due to primary hepatic sarcoma or hepatic sarcoma metastases. The demographic and clinical parameters were collected from the institutional patients' records. RESULTS: In eight patients (83%), liver resection was performed due to hepatic sarcoma metastases. The surgical procedures were as follows: two patients (18%) had segmentectomy, six patients (55%) had hemihepatectomy or extended hemihepatectomy and three patients (27%) had multivisceral resections. In nine patients (82%), the resection margins were tumour free. In 55% (n = 6) of the patients, the maximal tumour diameter was greater than 10 cm. The postoperative morbidity was low with a Clavien-Dindo score of 2 (range 0-5). One patient died on postoperative day 2 after multivisceral resection. During the follow-up of 932 days (range 2-2.220 days) the 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 91, 63 and 45%, respectively. Tumour recurrence was detected in seven patients (63%). CONCLUSIONS: Liver resections in patients with primary or secondary hepatic sarcoma are rare. The main goal in these patients is to achieve complete tumour resection because chemotherapy offers no suitable alternative, but the long-term survival rates are limited because of high a recurrence rate even after aggressive surgical approaches.

[Individualized curative treatment for malignant diseases through liver transplantation]. / Individualisierte kurative Therapie bei malignen Erkrankungen durch Lebertransplantation.

BACKGROUND: For patients with primary and secondary liver tumors that are functionally or technically nonresectable, liver transplantation remains the sole curative treatment option. Over the years the benefits of transplantation have also been validated for conditions other than hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, amidst a period of organ shortage the broadening of transplantation indications is a topic of ongoing debate. Although recent studies have confirmed the long-term success of transplantation within multimodal treatment regimens, this approach has yet to become the standard treatment for many conditions. OBJECTIVE: This article explores the potential of liver transplantation in individualized multimodal oncological treatment strategies. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Liver transplantation has become an integral component of the treatment regimen for hepatocellular carcinoma. In Germany there is a prioritized organ allocation facilitated by the granting of a standard exception for cases with a smaller tumor burden. Over the years numerous studies have demonstrated comparable long-term results using different listing criteria. Both intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and perihilar cholangiocarcinoma can be curatively treated with transplantation in Germany, although this is typically within the context of clinical studies. The neoadjuvant therapy and patient selection, based on tumor burden and the response to preliminary treatment, play a crucial role in influencing long-term survival and recurrence rates. The success of transplantation for liver metastases from neuroendocrine malignancies or colorectal carcinomas, which cannot be removed by partial resection, also significantly hinges on the patient selection. The role of living donor liver transplantation is becoming increasingly more pivotal in this context.

Rare tumours of the pancreas: monocentric study.

PURPOSE: The biology of rare pancreatic tumours, which differs from that of ductal pancreatic cancer, requires increased attention. Although the majority of rare pancreatic tumours are benign, it is difficult to decide whether an invasive component exists without complete removal of the lesion, despite considerable progress in diagnosis. We are investigating a large cohort of patients with histologically confirmed epithelial non-ductal non-neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreas. METHODS: Here we analyze long-term survival from patients, who underwent resection of histologically confirmed epithelial non-ductal non-neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreas. At our department between Jan 1st, 1999, and Dec 31st, 2019. The median follow-up was 61 (range 0-168) month. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA) software. RESULTS: 46 patients (48%) were followed up for more than 5 years, 18 patients (19%) for more than 10 years. The 5-year and 10-year survival rates for rare non-invasive pancreatic tumours were 72% and 55% respectively. The proportion of rare tumour entities (non-ductal and non-neuroendocrine) increased continuously and statistically significantly (p = 0.004) from 4.2 to 12.3% in our clinic between 1999 and 2019. If there is no invasive growth yet, there is a varying risk of malignant degeneration in the course of the disease. Therefore, the indication for pancreatic resection is still the subject of discussion. CONCLUSION: The long-term prognosis of rare epithelial pancreatic tumours after R0 resection-even if they are already malignant-is much better than that of ductal pancreatic cancer.

Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma beyond the Milan Criteria: A Specific Role for Living Donor Liver Transplantation after Neoadjuvant Therapy.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to elucidate the various new classifications and the use of LDLT and bridging therapy for HCC in this context beyond the Milan criteria (MC). METHODS: The clinical data of patients with HCC outside the MC who underwent LT at Jena University between January 2007 and August 2023 were retrospectively analysed. Eligible patients were classified according to various classification systems. Clinicopathological features, overall and disease-free survival rates were compared between LT and LDLT within the context of bridging therapy. THE RESULTS: Among the 245 patients analysed, 120 patients did not meet the MC, and 125 patients met the MC. Moreover, there were comparable overall survival rates between patients outside the MC for LT versus LDLT (OS 44.3 months vs. 28.3 months; 5-year survival, 56.4% vs. 40%; p = 0.84). G3 tumour differentiation, the presence of angioinvasion and lack of bridging were statistically significant risk factors for tumour recurrence according to univariate and multivariate analyses (HR 6.34; p = 0.0002; HR 8.21; p < 0.0001; HR 7.50; p = 0.0001). Bridging therapy before transplantation provided a significant survival advantage regardless of the transplant procedure (OS: p = 0.008; DFS: p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HCC outside the MC who underwent LT or LDLT had worse outcomes compared to those of patients who met the MC but still had a survival advantage compared to patients without transplantation. Nevertheless, such patients remain disadvantaged on the waiting list, which is why LDLT represents a safe alternative to LT and should be considered in bridged HCC patients because of differences in tumour differentiation, size and tumour marker dynamics.

Critical Evaluation of Discarded Donor Livers in the Eurotransplant Region: Potential Implications for Machine Perfusion.

BACKGROUND There are still many offered donor livers that are declined during the allocation process. Machine perfusion offers the option to evaluate (especially marginal) donor organs and to better decide whether a graft has the potential of being transplanted or not. There is a lack of clear detailed data on why organs are declined and how many donor livers would have the potential of being evaluated in the machine. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 1356 donor livers between 2016 and 2018, which were offered by Eurotransplant and were declined during the allocation process; 284 grafts were from donor after cardiac death (DCD) and 1072 donations were from after brain death (DBD). The analysis was performed independently and blinded by senior transplant surgeons. RESULTS There were 904 (66.6%) donor livers with potential to be evaluated as suitable grafts in machine perfusion, whereas 417 (30.8%) organs were definitely not-transplantable, mainly due to liver cirrhosis, (untreated) donor malignancy, cardiac diseases of the donor leading to a hepatic congestion, and/or systemic infections in the donor. Donors in blood group "AB" were disproportionally often rejected. Due to missing data, 35 (2.6%) organs could not be sufficiently evaluated. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that many declined donor livers have potential of being evaluated by machine perfusion. Comprehensive use of machine perfusion is necessary and useful to improve the current organ shortage.

Liver regeneration after two-stage liver transplantation is more effective than after other preconditioning procedures in colorectal liver metastases.

INTRODUCTION: Induction of liver regeneration represents an option to expand the resectability in patients with expected small future liver remnant (FLR). The aim of this cohort-study is to compare the liver regeneration between different surgical procedures, including novel procedures such as two-stage living donor liver transplantation using small-for-size grafts. METHODS: Forty-three patients with colorectal liver metastases were included between 2004 and 2020. They underwent one of the following three procedures: portal vein embolization (PVE), associated liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS), and living donor two-stage liver transplantation (LT). The volume gain of the future liver remnant was analyzed in comparison between the three mentioned procedures. RESULTS: The type of surgery performed had a significant correlation with liver regeneration with a strong effect on the benefit of ALPPS and liver transplantation, respectively (r = .6, p = .00003). The type of surgery was the only independent co-factor in the multiple regression, which showed a significant influence on FLR-increase favoring two-stage transplantation compared to the other two related procedures (ß = .12, T = 3.9, p = .0004). The histological and immunohistochemical studies also showed a clear advantage of proliferation to the benefits of two-stage liver transplantation compared with ALPPS. CONCLUSION: Two-stage liver transplantation using small-for-size grafts induces better FLR-increase than portal vein embolization or ALPPS in patients with colorectal liver metastases.

Postoperative Outcomes in 415 Patients Following Liver Transplantation Using Extended Donor Criteria: A Study from a Single Center in Germany.

BACKGROUND Because of the massive organ shortage worldwide, marginal organs are increasingly being considered. The aim of this study was to present a comprehensive analysis of donor-related factors clinically supposed to influence the outcome after liver transplantation. This study from a single center in Germany aimed to evaluate postoperative outcomes in 415 patients following liver transplantation using extended donor criteria. MATERIAL AND METHODS Extended donor criteria (EDC) were considered according to the official guidelines issued through the German Medical Association. Other factors and the Eurotransplant Donor Risk Index (ET-DRI) were also considered. Correlation studies, logistic regression, and Kaplan-Meier-estimator were used to evaluate the outcome. RESULTS The postoperative outcomes with or without EDC were comparable. Other factors had an impact on early allograft failure (EAD), including male donors (χ²=14.135, P=0.0001). Other donor-unrelated factors, like cold ischemia time, also had an impact on EAD (r=0.135, P=0.010), especially in patients with model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) <25 (ß=0.001, P=0.008). ET-DRI was a crucial factor in estimating overall and allograft survival after liver transplantation. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study support the possibility of liver transplantation using organs obtained by EDC. Other factors, like donor sex and cold ischemic time, are not part of the EDC, although they have an impact on EAD. Organs obtained by EDC continue to be an option to address the organ shortage.

Liver Transplantation for Incidental Cholangiocarcinoma or Combined Hepatocellular Carcinoma/Cholangiocarcinoma-Own Experiences and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Data about liver transplantation for mixed tumors from hepatocellular carcinoma to cholangiocarcinoma are limited. Furthermore, the diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma or combined tumors in a cirrhotic liver is considered a contraindication for transplantation. Our aim was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with incidental cholangiocarcinoma or combined tumors after liver transplantation. METHODS: In our descriptive analysis, data were evaluated from all patients since 2010 who received a liver transplant due to an assumed hepatocellular carcinoma at Jena University Hospital. Survival rates were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Between January 2010 and December 2022, an incidental intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma was found in eight patients post-transplant. Four combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma and four sole intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas were found. A recurrence through distant metastases from combined hepatocellular- and cholangiocarcinoma was found in one patient at one year after transplantation. Another patient developed a pulmonary primary tumor independently one year post-transplant. The recurrence rate was at 14.3%. While two patients died, the 1- and 5-year overall survival rates post-transplant were 87.5% and 75%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma or combined hepatocellular- and cholangiocarcinoma could profit from liver transplantation.

Adipose tissue induces a better liver regeneration after living liver donation in normal weight donors.

Background: Extrahepatic body fat could be a relevant factor affecting liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of body fatty tissue in liver regeneration capacity after liver resection in a cohort of living donors. Methods: We observed liver regeneration in 120 patients: 70 living donors who underwent right hepatectomy and 50 recipients who got a right graft transplantation. Liver volumetry and body fat analysis were performed based on the computed tomography images with volumetry software. The gain of liver volume was calculated between three points in time considering the absolute and percentage values: before surgery and early (median 10 days, range 4-21 days) and late (median 27 weeks, range 18-40 weeks) after surgery. Pearson's correlation was used to examine the potential correlation between adipose tissue and liver regeneration. Results: Pearson's correlation showed a significant correlation between the subcutaneous fat mass index (sFMI) and early (r=0.173, P=0.030), as well late (r=0.395, P=0.0004) percental liver volume gain in the whole collective. Under stratification in donor's and recipient's collectives, the effect of extrahepatic adipose tissue appears in multiple regression only in the donor's collective: early (ß =0.219, T =2.137, P=0.036) and late (ß =0.390, T =2.552, P=0.015) percental volume gain. Conclusions: Subcutaneous adipose tissue is a positive predictive factor to estimate the goodness of liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in normosthenic donors.

Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is in most transplant regions a contraindication for liver transplantation, even ruling out an active waiting list registration. However, recent studies showed that well-selected patients after a neo-adjuvant treatment benefit from liver transplantation with good long-term outcomes. The role of living donor liver transplantation is unclear for this indication. The current study focuses on LDLT for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Liver Transplant Due to Flupirtine-Induced Acute Liver Failure.

OBJECTIVES: Acute drug-induced liver failure is a rare indication for liver transplant. There is only one case of flupirtine-induced liver failure requiring transplant in the literature. In February 2018, the European Medicines Agency issued a withdrawal of approval for flupirtine medication in European countries as a result of the risk of acute liver failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of this study was a German-wide collection of data regarding patients with liver transplant as a result of flupirtine-associated liver failure. RESULTS: A total of 9 patients received transplants. All patients were women with a mean age of 43 years. Indication for flupirtine medication was musculoskeletal symptoms and migraine headache. The medication was taken over a period of approximately 3 months. All patients developed progressive acute liver failure, and no patient had previous chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. The mean laboratory Model for End Stage Liver Disease score for the patients was 31 ± 7 at time of transplant. Eight of the 9 patients were listed as "high urgency" for transplant. After transplant, they had an uneventful course with a prolonged mean intensive care unit stay of 13 ± 8.7 days. The whole hospitalization time was 43 ± 21 days. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest published series of patients who received liver transplant after a drug-induced acute liver failure from flupirtine medication.

Liver Transplant for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin Tumor): The Essential Role of Patient Selection.

OBJECTIVES: Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin tumor) is a rare tumor entity, which is diagnosed late due to uncharacteristic symptoms. The therapeutic strategy for cure is still liver resection. Liver transplant in cases of locally irresectable tumors represents an alternative potential curative therapy for a select group of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present our data of 22 patients with irresectable Klatskin tumors who received transplants between 1996 and 2015. We analyzed relevant prognostic factors for the selection of patients to be transplanted to ensure an acceptable overall survival and reviewed known and established selection criteria. RESULTS: Four factors (age, tumor size, serum level of carbohydrate antigen 19-9, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage) could be detected for possible patient selection. Positive lymph node status and advanced tumor stage according to the Union for International Cancer Control were confirmed as negative prognostic factors for survival after transplant. CONCLUSIONS: Liver transplant is a curative therapy for selected patients with irresectable Klatskin tumors, but further prospective studies are urgently needed.

Induction of chronic cholestasis without liver cirrhosis - Creation of an animal model.

AIM: To analyze time intervals of inflammation and regeneration in a cholestatic rat liver model. METHODS: In 36 Lewis rats, divided into six groups of 6 animals (postoperative observation periods: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 wk), the main bile duct was ligated with two ligatures and observed for the periods mentioned above. For laboratory evaluation, cholestasis parameters (bilirubin, γ-GT), liver cell parameters (ASAT, ALAT) and liver synthesis parameters (quick, albumin) were determined. For histological analysis, HE, EvG, ASDCL and HMGB-1 stainings were performed. Furthermore, we used the mRNA of IL-33, GADD45a and p-21 for analyzing cellular stress and regeneration in cholestatic rats. RESULTS: In chemical laboratory and histological evaluation, a distinction between acute and chronic cholestatic liver injury with identification of inflammation and regeneration could be demonstrated by an increase in cholestasis (bilirubin: 1-wk group, 156.83 ± 34.12 µmol/L, P = 0.004) and liver cell parameters (ASAT: 2-wk group, 2.1 ± 2.19 µmol/L.s, P = 0.03; ALAT: 2-wk group, 1.03 ± 0.38 µmol/L.s, P = 0.03) after bile duct ligation (BDL). Histological evaluation showed an increase of bile ducts per portal field (3-wk group, 48 ± 6.13, P = 0.004) during the first four weeks after bile duct ligation. In addition to inflammation, which is an expression of acute cholestasis, there was an increase of necrotic areas in the histological sections (2-wk group, 1.38% ± 2.28% per slide, P = 0.002). Furthermore, the inflammation could be verified by ASDCL (4-wk group, 22 ± 5.93 positive cells per portal field, P = 0.041) and HMGB-1 [2-wk group, 13 ± 8.18 positive cells per field of view (FoV), P = 0.065] staining. Therefore, in summary of the laboratory evaluation and histological studies, acute cholestasis could be found during the first four weeks after bile duct ligation. Subsequently, the described parameters declined so that chronic cholestasis could be assumed. For quantification of secondary biliary cirrhosis, eosin staining was performed, which did not reveal any signs of liver remodeling, thus precluding the development of a chronic cholestasis model. Additionally, to establish the chronic cholestasis model, we evaluated liver regeneration capacity through measurements of IL-33, p-21 and GADD45a mRNA. CONCLUSION: We created a chronic cholestasis model. The point of inflammatory and regenerative balance was reached after four weeks. This finding should be used for experimental approaches dealing with chronic cholestatic liver damage.

Role of NK, NKT cells and macrophages in liver transplantation.

Liver transplantation has become the treatment of choice for acute or chronic liver disease. Because the liver acts as an innate immunity-dominant organ, there are immunological differences between the liver and other organs. The specific features of hepatic natural killer (NK), NKT and Kupffer cells and their role in the mechanism of liver transplant rejection, tolerance and hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury are discussed in this review.