Growth differentiation factor 11 worsens hepatocellular injury and liver regeneration after liver ischemia reperfusion injury

What is it about?

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) was proposed to decline with age and to restore young tissue function phenotypes in several organ systems. However, the rejuvenative effects of GDF11 were questioned recently. Here, we demonstrated that GDF11 increased with age and following liver ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Furthermore, rather than a "rejuvenating"agent, GDF11 worsened hepatocellular injury and liver regeneration following IRI. These observations suggest that elevating GDF11 levels in the aged and following liver IRI might be harmful.

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