When is steatosis too much for transplantation?

Biopsy-proven macrosteatosis in 1,384 cadaveric livers grafted in 2005, out of a total of 6,042 transplantations (based on OPTN data as of April 14, 2006). Note that 4560 grafts (60%) were not biopsied.

Visualisation of hepatic sinusoidal microcirculation in a model of macrosteatosis (ob/ob mice): standard diet at baseline (A) and after 45min ischemia and 3h reperfusion (B); dietary omega-3 PUFA supplementation at baseline (C) and after 45min ischemia and 3h reperfusion (D). Omega-3 PUFA supplementation significantly ameliorates sinusoidal perfusion rate as well as functional density both before and after ischemia and reperfusion.