Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Hepatocyte transplantation as an effective method for liver failure has been confirmed by animal models and clinical application. However, limited source and poor proliferation of hepatocyte graft limit its development. Studies have shown that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have potentials to differentiate into hepatocyte and bile epithelial cells, with strong proliferation.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect of bone marrow MSCs transplantation on liver failure of New Zealand white rabbits.
METHODS: Adult male New Zealand rabbits were treated with D-galactosamine, and 3 mL hepatocyte suspension (1×109 /L) was injected into the liver of transplantation group, but the control group was injected with the same volume of culture solution with no bone marrow MSCs. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity was detected 48, 72 hours, 1, 4 weeks following transplantation, and pathological detection was performed at 4 weeks.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The liver functional index following transplantation of bone marrow-derived MSCs transplantation was significantly decreased, and ALT and AST activity at 4 weeks was significantly less than the control group (P < 0.05). At 4, the transplantation group displayed disorderly hepatic cord, hepatocyte swollen and degeneration, necrosis, accompanied by bleeding and inflammatory cell infiltration. In addition, the hepatic lobule structure was detectable, and regenerative hepatocyte increased among necrotic hepatocyte; small cells with large ratio of nucleus and cytoplasm at header, central vein and surrouding necrosis focus extended to the liver tissues.