The effects of L-arginine (L-Arg), the physiological NO precureor and NO synthetase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) on endogenous endothelin (ET) secretion and renal function were observed in a model of glycerol-induced acute renal failure (ARF) in rat. It was found that endogenous ET secretion was significantly increased, while serum NO was markedly decreased in ARF rats. The administration of L-NNA to the ARF rats induced significant increases in plasma ET and positive immunoreactive particles of ET in renal tubular epithelial cells(EP cells), and the impairment of renal function was exaggerated. L-Arg might effectively decrease the level of plasma ET and the positive immunoreactive particles of ET in renal tubular EP cells, suggesting the improvement of the renal function. It is suggested that the ability of NO in improving renal function may relatedto the inhibition of endogenous ET secretion in glycerol-induced ARF rats.

Derived from embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, or adult stem cells, liver organoids not only mimic the tissue structure, gene expression patterns, and genetic characteristics of in vivo liver but also demonstrate significant potential in simulating liver diseases, drug screening, precision medicine, and regenerative medicine. This technology is particularly valuable in modeling various conditions such as malignant liver tumors, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, and a range of genetic and metabolic liver diseases. However, challenges remain in enhancing the derivation and proliferation efficiency of organoids, constructing immune microenvironments, developing functional vascular networks, and achieving standardization and automation in the organoid preparation process. Looking forward, with continued technological advancements and innovations, these issues are expected to be resolved, paving the way for liver organoids to play a more substantial role in clinical and research applications, ultimately contributing significantly to public health. This review comprehensively explores the development and extensive applications of liver organoid technology in the field of biomedical science. The aim is to inform subsequent research.