Mesenchymal stem cells accelerate liver regeneration in acute liver failure animal model

Abstract

Introduction: The massive hepatic necrosis of acute liver failure (ALF) results in a sudden loss of hepatic cells. Although most hepatocyte cells of ALF are completely lost, stem cell-derived circulating cells and endogenous progenitor cells rapidly regenerate them. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a critical role in the regeneration of liver injury through regulating platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. However, their fluctuating levels in the healing process and correlation to the decrease of liver function markers remain unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of MSCs in accelerating liver regeneration of ALF by measuring VEGF and PDGF levels on day 2 and 7, as well as SGPT and SGOT levels, and assessing histopathology appearance.

Methods: Using an ALF rat model, 12 animals were randomly assigned into two groups: umbilical cord (UC)-MSC injection (T1) and vehicle control (Veh). ELISA assay was employed to measure PDGF and VEGF levels, an automatic analyzer was used to assess serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to evaluate morphological appearance.

Results: The study showed an significant (P<0.001) increase of PDGF and VEGF levels on the 2^nd day, followed by a decrease on the 7^th day, along with a decrease of SGPT and SGOT levels as well as the normality of histology appearance.

Conclusion: In conclusion, administration of MSCs may accelerate liver regeneration of ALF through PDGF and VEGF regulation.