Hepatocyte-like cells derived from human adipose tissue mesenchymal cells partially restore liver function in immunosuppressed mice with ccl4-induced fibrosis

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
M. Rangchi 1
A. Sahebghadam Lotfi 2
S. Ali hosseinzadeh 1
1 Department of Clinical Biochemistry,Faculty of Medical Sciences,Tarbiat modares University, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Clinical Biochemistry,Faculty of Medical Sciences,Tarbiat mranodares University, Tehran,
Abstract
Introduction: Liver diseases are a significant global health burden, causing roughly two million deaths annually. Liver Fibrosis, characterized by excessive extracellular matrix accumulation, is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. Liver transplantation remains the gold standard for severe Fibrosis, but limitations exist. Cell therapy using Mesenchymal Stem Cells offers a promising alternative. Hepatocyte-like Cells derived from human adipose tissue Mesenchymal Stem Cells are particularly attractive due to their potential for liver regeneration. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Mesenchymal stem cells and Hepatocyte-like cells in treating CCl4-induced Liver Fibrosis in immunosuppressed mice. Methods: Twenty C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) Fibrotic/untreated, (3 Mesenchymal stem cell-treated, (4) Hepatocyte-like cell-treated. Fibrosis was induced in groups 2-4 using intraperitoneal CCl4 injection in immunosuppressed (cyclosporine A) mice. Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Hepatocyte-like Cells were transplanted via tail vein injection in groups 3 and 4, respectively. Liver function tests were measured in all groups. Results: Both Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Hepatocyte-like Cells treatment improved liver function as evidenced by histopathology and biochemical analyses. In the Fibrotic group, Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels were significantly elevated, while Albumin levels decreased compared to the control group. Following treatment, these parameters significantly improved (p < 0.05) in both treatment groups, suggesting partial regression of Fibrosis. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that both Hepatocyte-like Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells have therapeutic potential for moderating Liver Fibrosis regression. However, Mesenchymal Stem Cells therapy may be more cost-effective and time-efficient.

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Pathobiology Reserach
Volume 26, Issue 3
September 2023
Pages 15-23