Potential use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) treatment in D-Galactosamine induced acute liver failure model

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Acute liver failure is characterized by severe injury of hepatocytes with a high mortality approaching 80%. Hepatocyte regeneration is often slow and the patients may die of various complications. The aim of the study is to investigate the potential of adult MSCs in bone marrow as a possible treatment in a D-Galactosamine induced acute liver failure model. METHODS: An acute liver failure model was created by a single-intraperitoneal injection of D-Galactosamine with a dosage of 700mg/kg. Adult MSCs were harvested from the femur and tibia of green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic Sprague Dawley rats. Cultured 5 X 106 MSCs were injected via the portal vein 24 hours after DGalactosamine administration. Liver tissues from rats were collected on 48, 72 and 96 hours respectively. Blood plasma and serum were also collected at time of sacrifice for liver function tests (LFTs). RESULT: More than 90% of MSCs expressed CD90 (marker for undifferentiated stem cells) and GFP using flow cyctometry. Transplanted MSCs could be identified in the damaged liver by D-Galactosamine using immunohistochemistry. GFP immunostaining clearly indicated. MSCs existed around the blood vessels and predominantly along the sites of injury. Serum transaminases were lower compared to control suggesting that liver damage was reduced. CONCLUSION: MSC therapy may reduce liver damage in a rat acute liver failure model. Further study will be taken to understand the mechanism of MSC therapy.