N-acetylcysteine protecting liver from surgery

Can N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) Protect Your Liver After Surgery?

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring the protective effects of NAC on liver health after partial hepatectomy and ischemia-reperfusion injury."

Liver surgery, including partial hepatectomy (removal of a portion of the liver), is sometimes necessary to treat tumors or other liver diseases. However, these procedures can lead to ischemia-reperfusion injury, a condition where the liver is damaged when blood flow is restored after a period of oxygen deprivation. This injury can compromise liver function and overall recovery.

Researchers are constantly seeking ways to minimize this damage and improve patient outcomes. One promising area of investigation involves the use of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent known for its protective effects on various tissues, including the liver.

This article explores the findings of a study investigating the effects of NAC on liver ischemia-reperfusion injury following partial hepatectomy in mice, offering insights into how NAC may promote liver health and recovery after surgery.

How Does NAC Help the Liver?

N-acetylcysteine protecting liver from surgery

A study published in Acta Cirurgica Brasileira investigated the potential benefits of NAC in protecting the liver after a 30% hepatectomy (surgical removal of part of the liver) followed by ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice. The researchers aimed to determine if NAC could reduce liver damage and promote healing in this setting.

The study involved dividing mice into two groups: one group received NAC before the surgical procedure (H-IR-NAC group), and the other group did not (H-IR group). The researchers then measured various indicators of liver damage and regeneration, including:

ALT and AST levels: These are enzymes released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged.
Histological analysis: Microscopic examination of liver tissue to assess structural damage, inflammation, and fat infiltration.
Mitogenic activity: Measured by counting binuclear hepatocytes (liver cells with two nuclei), which indicates cell regeneration.

The results showed that the NAC group experienced reduced levels of ALT, indicating less liver cell damage. Histological analysis revealed that the NAC group had less fat infiltration and vascular congestion, signs of improved liver health. Moreover, the NAC group exhibited increased mitogenic activity, suggesting that NAC promoted liver regeneration after the injury.

The Future of NAC in Liver Care

This research suggests that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) holds promise as a protective agent for the liver following partial hepatectomy and ischemia-reperfusion injury. By reducing inflammation, minimizing structural damage, and promoting liver regeneration, NAC may contribute to improved outcomes for patients undergoing liver surgery.

While these findings are encouraging, it's essential to note that this study was conducted on mice. Further research is needed to confirm these results in humans and determine the optimal dosage and timing of NAC administration.

However, the potential benefits of NAC in liver care warrant further investigation. As research progresses, NAC may become a valuable tool for protecting and promoting liver health in various clinical settings.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/s0102-86502012000400011, Alternate LINK

Title: Effect Of N-Acetylcysteine In Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury After 30% Hepatectomy In Mice

Subject: Surgery

Journal: Acta Cirurgica Brasileira

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Edwin Jin Su Lee, Sonia Maria Da Silva, Manuel De Jesus Simões, Edna Frasson De Souza Montero

Published: 2012-04-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and why is it relevant in the context of liver health?

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics make NAC potentially helpful in protecting the liver. Its role in reducing inflammation and promoting healing suggests a protective effect against damage, particularly after procedures like partial hepatectomy and ischemia-reperfusion injury, where the liver is susceptible to damage.

What is ischemia-reperfusion injury, and what implications does it have for liver health?

Ischemia-reperfusion injury occurs when blood flow to the liver is interrupted (ischemia) and then restored (reperfusion). This process can cause significant liver damage. The restoration of blood flow after a period of oxygen deprivation can trigger an inflammatory response and oxidative stress. This can damage liver cells. The use of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is investigated to mitigate this damage and improve the liver's recovery.

What is a partial hepatectomy, and how does it relate to the need for liver protection?

Partial hepatectomy is the surgical removal of a portion of the liver, often done to treat tumors or other liver diseases. Although necessary for treatment, it can lead to damage due to ischemia-reperfusion injury. This is when blood flow is re-established after the surgery. This can compromise liver function and overall recovery. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in minimizing liver damage and supporting recovery after partial hepatectomy.

What methods did the researchers use to assess the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the liver?

In the study, the researchers used various indicators of liver damage and regeneration. These include measuring ALT and AST levels, which are enzymes that indicate liver cell damage; histological analysis, which involves examining liver tissue to assess structural damage, inflammation, and fat infiltration; and mitogenic activity, measured by counting binuclear hepatocytes. Measuring these parameters helps in understanding how well N-acetylcysteine (NAC) protects and aids in the liver's healing process.

What are the potential implications of using N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for liver care based on this research?

The research indicates that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could be beneficial for liver health following partial hepatectomy and ischemia-reperfusion injury. NAC's ability to reduce inflammation, minimize structural damage, and promote liver regeneration suggests it could improve outcomes for patients undergoing liver surgery. However, this is based on studies in mice, and further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety in humans.