Fibroblast growth factor 2 facilitates the differentiation of transplanted bone marrow cells into hepatocytes

Effect of Hepatocyte Growth Factor-Transfected Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Hepatic Stellate Cells by Regulating Transforming Growth Factor-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway

Studies have shown that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) could ameliorate liver fibrosis (LF) through inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, the specific mechanisms have not been studied clearly. The purpose of this study was to explore the possible mechanism of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-transfected hUCMSCs in inhibiting the proliferation and activation of HSCs-T6. The upper and lower double-cell coculture system was established among HGF-hUCMSCs, LV5-NC-hUCMSCs, hUCMSCs, and HSCs-T6 in experimental groups; HSCs-T6 were cultured alone as control group. After coculturing for 1, 2, and 3 days, results showed that HGF-transfected hUCMSCs could decrease cell viability of HSCs-T6 and promote apoptosis; inhibit their activation and reduce the expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3, which may be related to inhibiting the activation of TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway. These findings suggested that HGF-transfected hUCMSCs may be used as an alternative and novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of LF.

Lipid engineered nanoparticle therapy for burn wound treatment

INTRODUCTION

Skin is the largest organ of the human body protecting the underlying organs and tissues from any foreign attack. Any damage caused in the skin may sometimes result in serious consequences within the internal body tissues. Burn is one such issue that damage the layers of skin and thereby makingthe skin vulnerableand pronefor any foreign matter to enter and cause serious diseases.

METHODS

An online literature assessment was steered for the lipid nanoparticles, burn wound treatments, and different types of nanoformulation. Appropriate information was taken from different electronic scientific databases such as Web of Science, Elsevier, Science Direct, Springer, PubMed, Google Scholar etc.,Additional data was summarized from textbooks, local prints and scripts.

RESULTS

Recent innovations and developments in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems has shown promising results in minimizing the drawbacks associated with conventional therapies. Lipid based nanoparticles possess capabilities to deliver active agents to their target site without the possibility of degradation. Conventional therapy of burn wound is costly and the treatment is long lasting, making the patient uncomfortable. Moreover, italso doesn't yield satisfactory results or narrow effects.Encapsulation of bioactives inside the lipid core protects the active entity from pH and enzymatic degradations.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the drawbacks associated with the conventional dosage forms. A lot of consideration is focused on the advancement of nanomaterials using innovative methods in wound care for treating burn wounds with the faster healing effect.This review article highlights recent developments in lipid based nanoformulations for treatment of burn wound injury.

Comparison of the biological and functional characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells from intrahepatic and identical bone marrow

In our privious work, our reseach group characterized a population of hepatic-sourced mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) called MLpvNG2⁺ cells. In the present study, we compared the biological and functional characteristics of naïve MLpvNG2 cells with identical bone marrow-derived MSCs (niBM-MSCs) using in vitro (conditioned media) and in vivo (a well-set diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver fibrotic/cirrhotic murine model) procedures. The intrahepatic-sourced mesodermal MLpvNG2⁺ cells exhibited some biological characteristics (e.g., a set of surface markers) similar to those of extrahepatic niBM-MSCs. In responsed to signals of pathological conditions, such as singals of fibrotic/cirrhotic liver, MLpvNG2⁺ cells showed higher survival and favored differentiation into ALB(+) and G6Pc(+) hepatocytes, whereas niBM-MSCs predominantly differentiated into CK/KRT19(+) cholangiocytes. We identified C/EBPα/β expression as a biological characteristic differentiating these two populations of MSCs, wherein MLpvNG2⁺ cells are likely regulated by C/EBPβ transcriptional signaling, whereas niBM-MSCs are likely controlled by C/EBPα transcriptional signaling. Notably, although C/EBPα and C/EBPβ transcriptional signaling regulate hepatocyte and cholangiocyte fate, respectively, the expression of these proteins in MLpvNG2⁺ cells is, to our knowledge, reported for the first time in the present study. We used anti-C/EBP neutralizing antibodies (Abs) both in vitro and in vivo to determine the functional characteristics of these proteins. We conclude that the biological characteristics of these two populations of MSCs depend on their differential C/EBPα/β expression patterns.

Role of caveolin-1 in epidermal stem cells during burn wound healing in rats

Local transplantation of stem cells has therapeutic effects on skin damage but cannot provide satisfactory wound healing. Studies on the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of stem cells on skin wound healing will be needed. Hence, in the present study, we explored the role of Caveolin-1 in epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs) in the modulation of wound healing. We first isolated EpiSCs from mouse skin tissues and established stable EpiSCs with overexpression of Caveolin-1 using a lentiviral construct. We then evaluated the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced cell proliferation ability using cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and assessed EpiSC pluripotency by examining Nanog mRNA levels in EpiSCs. Furthermore, we treated mice with skin burn injury using EpiSCs with overexpression of Caveolin-1. Histological examinations were conducted to evaluate re-epithelialization, wound scores, cell proliferation and capillary density in wounds. We found that overexpression of Caveolin-1 in EpiSCs promoted EGF-induced cell proliferation ability and increased wound closure in a mouse model of skin burn injury. Histological evaluation demonstrated that overexpression of Caveolin-1 in EpiSCs promoted re-epithelialization in wounds, enhanced cellularity, and increased vasculature, as well as increased wound scores. Taken together, our results suggested that Caveolin-1 expression in the EpiSCs play a critical role in the regulation of EpiSC proliferation ability and alteration of EpiSC proliferation ability may be an effective approach in promoting EpiSC-based therapy in skin wound healing.

Transplantation of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells and hepatocyte stem cells from liver fibrosis rats ameliorates liver fibrosis

AIM

To explore the effectiveness for treating liver fibrosis by combined transplantation of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (BM-EPCs) and bone marrow-derived hepatocyte stem cells (BDHSCs) from the liver fibrosis environment.

METHODS

The liver fibrosis rat models were induced with carbon tetrachloride injections for 6 wk. BM-EPCs from rats with liver fibrosis were obtained by different rates of adherence and culture induction. BDHSCs from rats with liver fibrosis were isolated by magnetic bead cell sorting. Tracing analysis was conducted by labeling EPCs with PKH26 in vitro to show EPC location in the liver. Finally, BM-EPCs and/or BDHSCs transplantation into rats with liver fibrosis were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of BM-EPCs and/or BDHSCs on liver fibrosis.

RESULTS

Normal functional BM-EPCs from liver fibrosis rats were successfully obtained. The co-expression level of CD133 and VEGFR2 was 63.9% ± 2.15%. Transplanted BM-EPCs were located primarily in/near hepatic sinusoids. The combined transplantation of BM-EPCs and BDHSCs promoted hepatic neovascularization, liver regeneration and liver function, and decreased collagen formation and liver fibrosis degree. The VEGF levels were increased in the BM-EPCs (707.10 ± 54.32) and BM-EPCs/BDHSCs group (615.42 ± 42.96), compared with those in the model group and BDHSCs group (P < 0.05). Combination of BM-EPCs/BDHSCs transplantation induced maximal up-regulation of PCNA protein and HGF mRNA levels. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (AST), aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin (TBIL), prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time in the BM-EPCs/BDHSCs group were significantly improved, to be equivalent to normal levels (P > 0.05) compared with those in the BDHSC (AST, TBIL and PT, P < 0.05) and BM-EPCs (TBIL and PT, P < 0.05) groups. Transplantation of BM-EPCs/BDHSCs combination significantly reduced the degree of liver fibrosis (staging score of 1.75 ± 0.25 vs BDHSCs 2.88 ± 0.23 or BM-EPCs 2.75 ± 0.16, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combined transplantation exhibited maximal therapeutic effect compared to that of transplantation of BM-EPCs or BDHSCs alone. Combined transplantation of autogenous BM-EPCs and BDHSCs may represent a promising strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis, which would eventually prevent cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The diversity and plasticity of adult hepatic progenitor cells and their niche

The liver is a unique organ for homoeostasis with regenerative capacities. Hepatocytes possess a remarkable capacity to proliferate upon injury; however, in more severe scenarios liver regeneration is believed to arise from at least one, if not several facultative hepatic progenitor cell compartments. Newly identified pericentral stem/progenitor cells residing around the central vein is responsible for maintaining hepatocyte homoeostasis in the uninjured liver. In addition, hepatic progenitor cells have been reported to contribute to liver fibrosis and cancers. What drives liver homoeostasis, regeneration and diseases is determined by the physiological and pathological conditions, and especially the hepatic progenitor cell niches which influence the fate of hepatic progenitor cells. The hepatic progenitor cell niches are special microenvironments consisting of different cell types, releasing growth factors and cytokines and receiving signals, as well as the extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold. The hepatic progenitor cell niches maintain and regulate stem cells to ensure organ homoeostasis and regeneration. In recent studies, more evidence has been shown that hepatic cells such as hepatocytes, cholangiocytes or myofibroblasts can be induced to be oval cell-like state through transitions under some circumstance, those transitional cell types as potential liver-resident progenitor cells play important roles in liver pathophysiology. In this review, we describe and update recent advances in the diversity and plasticity of hepatic progenitor cell and their niches and discuss evidence supporting their roles in liver homoeostasis, regeneration, fibrosis and cancers.

Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells suppress the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting the ubiquitination of p27

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have considerable therapeutic potential for the treatment of end-stage liver disease. Previous studies have demonstrated that BMSCs secrete growth factors and cytokines that inactivate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which inhibited the progression of hepatic fibrosis. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanism by which BMSCs suppress the function of HSCs in fibrosis. Our results showed that co-culture of BMSCs and HSCs induced cell cycle arrest at the G10/G1 phase and cell apoptosis of HSCs, which finally inhibited the cell proliferation of HSCs. Consistent with the cell cycle arrest, co-culture of BMSCs and HSCs increased the abundance of the cell cycle protein p27. Mechanistically, we further uncovered that following the co-culture with BMSCs, the expression level of the E3 ligase S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2) that is responsible for the ubiquitination of p27 was decreased, which attenuated the ubiquitination of p27 and increased the stability of p27 in HSCs. Collectively, our results indicated the potential involvement of the SKP2-p27 axis for the inhibitory effect of BSMCs on the cell proliferation of HSCs.

Hemophilia A: an ideal disease to correct in utero

Hemophilia A (HA) is the most frequent inheritable defect of the coagulation proteins. The current standard of care for patients with HA is prophylactic factor infusion, which is comprised of regular (2-3 times per week) intravenous infusions of recombinant or plasma-derived FVIII to maintain hemostasis. While this treatment has greatly increased the quality of life and lengthened the life expectancy for many HA patients, its high cost, the need for lifelong infusions, and the fact that it is unavailable to roughly 75% of the world's HA patients make this type of treatment far from ideal. In addition, this lifesaving therapy suffers from a high risk of treatment failure due to immune response to the infused FVIII. There is thus a need for novel treatments, such as those using stem cells and/or gene therapy, which have the potential to mediate long-term correction or permanent cure following a single intervention. In the present review, we discuss the clinical feasibility and unique advantages that an in utero approach to treating HA could offer, placing special emphasis on a new sheep model of HA we have developed and on the use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) as cellular vehicles for delivering the FVIII gene.

Concise review: bone marrow autotransplants for liver disease?

There are increasing reports of using bone marrow-derived stem cells to treat advanced liver disease. We consider several critical issues that underlie this approach. For example, are there multipotent stem cell populations in human adult bone marrow? Can they develop into liver cells or supporting cell types? What are stromal stem/progenitor cells, and can they promote tissue repair without replacing hepatocytes? Does reversal of end-stage liver disease require new hepatocytes, a new liver microenvironment, both, neither or something else? Although many of these questions are unanswered, we consider the conceptual and experimental bases underlying these issues and critically analyze results of clinical trials of stem cell therapy of end-stage liver disease.

Bone marrow cell-based regenerative therapy for liver cirrhosis

Bone marrow cells are capable of differentiation into liver cells. Therefore, transplantation of bone marrow cells has considerable potential as a future therapy for regeneration of damaged liver tissue. Autologous bone marrow infusion therapy has been applied to patients with liver cirrhosis, and improvement of liver function parameters has been demonstrated. In this review, we summarize clinical trials of regenerative therapy using bone marrow cells for advanced liver diseases including cirrhosis, as well as topics pertaining to basic in vitro or in vivo approaches in order to outline the essentials of this novel treatment modality.

Accumulation of xenotransplanted canine bone marrow cells in NOD/SCID/γc(null) mice with acute hepatitis induced by CCl4

Bone marrow cell infusion (BMI) has recently been suggested as an effective therapy for refractory liver disease; however, the efficiency of BMI using canine bone marrow cells (cBMCs) has not been reported. We evaluated the accumulation potential of cBMCs in a mouse model of acute liver failure. Acute hepatitis was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) treatment in NOD/SCID/γc(null)(NOG) mice and wild-type (WT) C57BL mice, and the characteristics of liver dysfunction and the degree of hepatic injury and regeneration were compared between the two mouse models. Next, female CCl4-treated NOG mice were xenotransplanted with male PKH26-labeled cBMCs, and the potential of cBMCs to accumulate in injured liver tissue compartments was examined. Fluorescence microscopy was performed to histologically detect the infused cBMCs, and DNA polymerase chain reaction was performed for detection of the male Y chromosome (SRY gene) in the recipient female NOG mice. The number of PKH26-positive cBMCs transplanted in the liver tissue gradually increased in the NOG mice. The infused cBMCs were located in the necrotic area of the liver at an early stage after transplantation, and most had accumulated a week after transplantation. However, the therapeutic efficacy of the xenotransplantation remained unclear, because no significant differences were observed concerning the extent liver injury and regeneration between the cBMC-transplanted and saline control mice. These results suggest that cBMCs will specifically accumulate in injured liver tissue and that BMC transplantation may have the potential to repair liver deficiency.

One cell, multiple roles: contribution of mesenchymal stem cells to tumor development in tumor microenvironment

The discovery of tissue reparative and immunosuppressive abilities of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has drawn more attention to tumor microenvironment and its role in providing the soil for the tumor cell growth. MSCs are recruited to tumor which is referred as the never healing wound and altered by the inflammation environment, thereby helping to construct the tumor microenvironment. The environment orchestrated by MSCs and other factors can be associated with angiogenesis, immunosuppression, inhibition of apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), survival of cancer stem cells, which all contribute to tumor growth and progression. In this review, we will discuss how MSCs are recruited to the tumor microenvironment and what effects they have on tumor progression.

Treatment of Hemophilia A in Utero and Postnatally using Sheep as a Model for Cell and Gene Delivery

Hemophilia A represents the most common inheritable deficiency of the coagulation proteins. Current state-of- the-art treatment consists of frequent prophylactic infusions of plasma-derived or recombinant FVIII protein to maintain hemostasis, and has greatly increased life expectancy and quality of life for many hemophilia A patients. This treatment approach is, however, far from ideal, due to the need for lifelong intravenous infusions, the high treatment cost, and the fact that it is unavailable to a large percentage of the world's hemophiliacs. There is thus a need for novel treatments that can promise long-term or permanent correction. In contrast to existing protein based therapeutics, gene therapy offers to provide a permanent cure following few, or even a single, treatment. In the present paper, we review ongoing work towards this end, focusing on studies we have performed in a large animal model. Some of the key topics covered in this review include the unique opportunities sheep offer as a model system, the re-establishment and clinical and molecular characterization of a line of sheep with severe hemophilia A, the advantages and feasibility of treating a disease like hemophilia A in utero, and the use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) as cellular delivery vehicles for the FVIII gene. The review finishes with a brief discussion of our recent success correcting ovine hemophilia A with a postnatal transplant with gene-modified MSC, and the limitations of this approach that remain to be overcome.

Inhibition of hepatic stellate cell proliferation by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via regulation of the cell cycle in rat

The present study aimed to observe the effect of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro on hepatic stellate cell (HSC) RhoA signaling factors and the expression of the cell cycle regulators P27 and cyclin D1. Rat HSC-T6 and fibroblast cells were divided into control, negative control and MSC experimental groups. The cell proliferation rate was examined using the WST8 assay. The cell cycle was analyzed using flow cytometry. RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to examine cyclin in D1 (cyclin D1), RhoA and P27 mRNA and protein expression in HSCs. After 12 h of co-culture, transition of the MSCs from the G0/G1 to S phase was blocked by HSCs. In the MSC experimental group, the RhoA mRNA and RhoA protein expression showed a decreasing trend with time, which was statistically significant compared with that in the control and negative control groups. MSC P27 protein expression showed an increasing trend with time. RhoA and P27 expression were significantly negatively correlated. After 24 h of co-culture, MSCs inhibited cyclin D1 expression. The difference was statistically significant in the experimental and control groups as well as in the negative control group (P<0.01). In conclusion, co-culture of HSCs with MSCs is capable of inhibiting HSC proliferation, promoting apoptosis and inhibiting RhoA expression. Reduced RhoA activity may induce an upregulation in P27 protein expression in HSCs, which promotes the inhibition of cyclin D1 by MSCs and induces cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, indicating a role in inhibiting rat HSC proliferation.

Timeline for development of autologous bone marrow infusion (ABMi) therapy and perspective for future stem cell therapy

Liver cirrhosis patients generally progress to liver failure. To cure this progressive disease, we developed a novel cell therapy using bone marrow cells; autologous bone marrow cell infusion (ABMi) therapy. We previously described the possible action mechanism of ABMi therapy in the cirrhotic liver, and showed the timeline and results of clinical studies of ABMi therapy. We have also carried out other clinical studies using bone marrow cells and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Here, we report a new randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effects of ABMi therapy. However, ABMi therapy may not be possible in patients who are unable to undergo general anesthesia; therefore, we have started to develop a next-generation stem cell therapy using cultured mesenchymal stem cells.

Autologous bone marrow cell infusion therapy for liver cirrhosis patients

We developed a novel cell therapy, autologous bone marrow cell infusion (ABMi) therapy, using autologous bone marrow, for liver cirrhosis patients. Our study depends on the findings from basic studies that bone marrow cell infusion repairs liver fibrosis in the cirrhotic liver, and improves liver function and the survival rate. Beginning in November 2003, we started a clinical study and found that ABMi therapy was safe and effective for liver cirrhosis patients. Multicenter trials in Japan and Korea have also shown the effectiveness of ABMi therapy. In this review, we report the current status of ABMi therapy for liver cirrhosis patients.

Novel findings for the development of drug therapy for various liver diseases: Current state and future prospects for our liver regeneration therapy using autologous bone marrow cells for decompensated liver cirrhosis patients

We have developed an in vivo mouse model [the green fluorescent protein (GFP) / carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) model] and reported that infused GFP-positive bone marrow cells administered via a tail vein efficiently repopulated cirrhotic liver tissue under conditions of persistent liver damage induced by CCl(4). Moreover, bone marrow cells infused into the liver improved liver function and ameliorated liver fibrosis with higher expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), consistent with improved survival rate. Based on these findings, we started a multicenter clinical trial of autologous bone marrow cell infusion (ABMi) therapy for decompensated liver cirrhosis patients and demonstrated the efficacy of this approach without unexpected complications. However, this therapy involves bone marrow aspiration under general anesthesia and is not indicated for patients for whom general anesthesia is difficult. We therefore aimed to develop a new liver regeneration therapy in which cells having a curative effect on liver cirrhosis are isolated and cultured from a small amount of autologous bone marrow aspirated under local anesthesia and infused back into the same subject. Herein, we present results for the GFP/CCl(4) model and ABMi therapy and future prospects for a new liver regeneration therapy.

Differentiation of embryonic stem cells into hepatocytes that coexpress coagulation factors VIII and IX

AIM

To establish an efficient culture system to support embryonic stem (ES) cell differentiation into hepatocytes that coexpress F-VIII and F-IX.

METHODS

Mouse E14 ES cells were cultured in differentiation medium containing sodium butyrate (SB), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and/or bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) to induce the differentiation of endoderm cells and hepatic progenitor cells. Hepatocyte growth factor, oncostatin M, and dexamethasone were then used to induce the maturation of ES cell-derived hepatocytes. The mRNA expression levels of endoderm-specific genes and hepatocyte-specific genes, including the levels of F-VIII and F-IX, were detected by RT-PCR and real-time PCR during various stages of differentiation. Protein expression was examined by immunofluorescence and Western blot. At the final stage of differentiation, flow cytometry was performed to determine the percentage of cells coexpressing F-VIII and F-IX, and ELISA was used to detect the levels of F-VIII and F-IX protein secreted into the culture medium.

RESULTS

The expression of endoderm-specific and hepatocyte-specific markers was upregulated to highest level in response to the combination of SB, bFGF, and BMP4. Treatment with the three inducers during hepatic progenitor differentiation significantly enhanced the mRNA and protein levels of F-VIII and F-IX in ES cell-derived hepatocytes. More importantly, F-VIII and F-IX were coexpressed with high efficiency at the final stage of differentiation, and they were also secreted into the culture medium.

CONCLUSION

We have established a novel in vitro differentiation protocol for ES-derived hepatocytes that coexpress F-VIII and F-IX that may provide a foundation for stem cell replacement therapy for hemophilia.

Mesenchymal stem cells as therapeutics and vehicles for gene and drug delivery

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess a set of several fairly unique properties which make them ideally suited both for cellular therapies/regenerative medicine, and as vehicles for gene and drug delivery. These include: 1) relative ease of isolation; 2) the ability to differentiate into a wide variety of seemingly functional cell types of both mesenchymal and non-mesenchymal origin; 3) the ability to be extensively expanded in culture without a loss of differentiative capacity; 4) they are not only hypoimmunogenic, but they produce immunosuppression upon transplantation; 5) their pronounced anti-inflammatory properties; and 6) their ability to home to damaged tissues, tumors, and metastases following in vivo administration. In this review, we summarize the latest research in the use of mesenchymal stem cells in regenerative medicine, as immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory agents, and as vehicles for transferring both therapeutic genes in genetic disease and genes designed to destroy malignant cells.

Adult bone marrow cells can differentiate into hemopoietic cells and endothelial cells but not into other lineage cells in normal growth and normal life

There have been reports that bone marrow cells (BMCs) can differentiate into various cells and tissues and that BMCs improve the function of the injured organs or reduce the organ damage, thereby rescuing the individuals from death. However, these reports also noted that injuries were induced in the organs. Therefore, it is not clear whether BMCs can differentiate into parenchymal cells in organs in normal life or whether BMCs can supply organ-specific stem cells. In this paper, we examine whether adult BMCs could contribute to the development of various organs in normal development after birth and in normal life. BMCs from adult eGFP mice (8 weeks old) were injected into the liver of newborn C57BL/6 mice. The existence of donor-derived cells in various organs was examined 1 year after the injection. In the organs of recipient mice, some of the CD45(+) hemopoietic cells (1.4-13.2%) and CD31(+) endothelial cells (0-2.2%) expressed eGFP, though no other lineage cells did so. These results suggest that adult BMCs can differentiate into not only hemopoietic cells but also vascular endothelial cells, but cannot differentiate into other lineage cells in normal growth and normal life.

Transplantation of interleukin 10-modified bone marrow-derived liver stem cells reduces accumulation of extracellular matrix in fibrotic liver in rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of transplanting interleukin 10 (IL-10)-modified bone marrow-derived liver stem cells (BDLSCs) on accumulation of extracellular matrix in fibrotic liver in rats.

METHODS: Rat beta-2 microglobulin (β₂m)^-/Thy-1⁺ BDLSCs were isolated by magnetic bead cell sorting (MACS), and transduced with adenovirus-mediated IL-10 gene. The level of IL-10 protein secretion by BDLSCs was assessed by ELISA. The rats were divided randomly into four groups: normal group, model group, BDLSCs group and BDLSCs plus IL-10 group. IL-10 gene-modified BDLSCs from male rats were transplanted into female liver fibrosis rats via a branch of the portal vein. Sry gene was amplified by PCR to evaluate the implantation of BDLSCs in liver. Collagen area in liver tissues was detected by Van Gieson's (VG) staining. Expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein in liver tissue was determined by Western blot. Hydroxyproline (Hyp) in liver tissues was quantified by the alkaline hydrolysis method. Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in serum were quantified by ELISA.

RESULTS: BDLSCs were successfully isolated by MACS. IL-10 secreted by IL-10 gene-modified BDLSCs presented persistently at a high level. Transduced BDLSCs were implanted successfully into impaired liver. Transplantation of IL-10 gene-modified BDLSCs lessened deposition of collagen, decreased α-SMA expression and thereby suppressed activation of hepatic stellate cells. Compared with the BDLSCs group, the level of Hyp in liver tissue decreased markedly in the BDLSCs plus IL-10 group (255.0 ± 50.5 μg/g vs 373.0 ± 26.7 μg/g, P < 0.01), and the levels of ECM proteins in serum also decreased (40.5 ± 7.7 μg/L vs 79.4 ± 10.3 μg/L, 61.5 ± 16.4 μg/L vs 77.7 ± 12.6 μg/L, 14.3 ± 0.8 μg/L vs 14.9 ± 1.5 μg/L, P < 0.01 or 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Transplantation of IL-10 gene-modified BDLSCs can effectively decrease accumulation of ECM in fibrotic liver in rats, suggesting the potential utility of this novel combined strategy of cell transplantation with gene therapy for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Liver development: lessons from knockout mice and mutant fish

The liver is an organ with vital functions, including the processing and storage of nutrients, maintenance of serum composition, detoxification and bile production. Over the last 10 years, there have been major advances in our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying liver development. These advances have been achieved through the use of knockout mice as well as through forward-genetics studies employing mutant fish. The examination of many such murine and piscine mutants with defects in liver formation and/or function have pinpointed numerous factors crucial for hepatic cell differentiation and growth. In addition, these studies have permitted the identification of several important liver-specific markers that allow the contributions of variouscell types to hepatogenesis to be monitored. This review summarizes our current state of knowledge of the shared molecular mechanisms that underlie liver development in species as diverse as fish and mice. A better molecular understanding of liver formation may provide new insights into both normal liver biology and liver disease.

Therapeutic effect of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells transplantation for rat model of hepatic cirrhosis

AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells transplanted through caudal or portal vein for the hepatic cirrhosis model of rats induced by CCl₄.

METHODS: Forty-five healthy SD rats were randomly divided into control group, portal-vein group and caudal-vein group. All rats were subcutaneously injected carbon tetrachloride oily mixture continuously for 8 weeks. At the sixth week, portal-vein group and caudal-vein group were transplanted with rat adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells 2×10⁶ each rat, respectively from superior mesenteric vein and caudal vein. The control group was injected isometric cell culture media. Liver function of rat was examined before and after cell transplantation. HE staining was performed on all liver specimen slices. The degeneration and necrosis of hepatic cells and the degree of liver fibrosis were observed under microscope, and further pathological evaluation was made according to observation results. All experiment data were analyzed by statistics.

RESULTS: The liver function of portal-vein group and caudal-vein group was improved significantly in comparison with that of control group (AST: 142.2 ± 31.2 U/L, 167.9 ± 28.3 U/L vs 354.2 ± 26.4 U/L; ALT: 79.4 ± 18.9 U/L, 85.8 ± 21.4 U/L vs 456.7 ± 35.3 U/L; ALB: 26.3 ± 2.0 g/L, 24.5 ± 2.2 g/L vs 17.2 ± 1.7 g/L, all P < 0.05), but the level of TBIL wasn't improved. The transplantation of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibited the degeneration and necrosis of hepatic tissue and improved liver fibrosis of the rats. The difference of pathological evaluation between cell-transplanted group and control group was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The transplantation of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells through portal and caudal vein has therapeutic effect for the hepatic cirrhosis model of rats. It can improve liver function and inhibit liver fibrosis.

Transplantation of basic fibroblast growth factor-pretreated adipose tissue-derived stromal cells enhances regression of liver fibrosis in mice

Adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSC) potentially differentiate into various cell types similar to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSC). Unlike BMSC, ADSC can be harvested easily and repeatedly. However, the advantages of ADSC for cell transplantation in liver disease remain unclear. To investigate this, we developed a novel culture system for ADSC, as well as effective methods for transplantation of ADSC into mice liver. ADSC were isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissues of male C57BL6/J mice and cultured on plastic dishes with or without basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). In the in vivo study, ADSC isolated from green fluorescent protein-transgenic mice were transplanted into carbon tetrachloride-injured C57BL6/J mice liver. bFGF-treated ADSC expressed several liver-specific marker genes and demonstrated liver-related functions such as albumin secretion, glycogen synthesis, urea production, and low-density lipoprotein uptake. Importantly, pretreatment of ADSC with bFGF for 1 wk enhanced the repopulation rate of ADSC in mice liver, attenuated liver fibrosis, and restored normal serum alanine aminotransferase and albumin levels. The results indicate that basic FGF facilitates transdifferentiation of ADSC into hepatic lineage cells in vitro and that transplantation of bFGF-pretreated ADSC reduced hepatic fibrosis in mice. ADSC are a potentially valuable source of cells for transplantation therapy.

Canine bone marrow cells differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells and placental hydrolysate is a potential inducer

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) can stimulate human and rat bone marrow (BM) cells to differentiate into hepatocytes. A human placental hydrolysate (hPH) stimulates proliferation of hepatocytes, but its role as a potential inducer of BM cells to form hepatocytes is unclear. To determine if canine BM cells stimulated with HGF or hPH differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells, BM cells were cultured with HGF or hPH. The cultured cells underwent morphological examination, expression of albumin and cytokeratin 18 (CK18), hepatic function tests including uptake of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and cytochrome P (CYP) 450 activity. Albumin mRNA and protein expression of albumin and CK18 proteins were detected in cultures with HGF and hPH. Furthermore, these cells demonstrated LDL uptake and CYP450 activity. These results indicate that canine BM cells can differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells when stimulated by both HGF and that hPH may be an effective inducer of hepatic differentiation.

Current status of autologous bone marrow cell infusion therapy for liver cirrhosis patients

This article reviews recent translational research on the development of cell therapy using autologous bone marrow cell for liver cirrhosis patients. A clinical study of autologous bone marrow cell infusion (ABMI) therapy for liver cirrhosis patient was begun on Nov. 14, 2003. We previously reported nine liver cirrhosis (LC) cases that underwent ABMI from the peripheral vein and followed their progress up to 24 weeks. Subjects were LC patients with total bilirubin TB of < 3.0 mg/dL, platelets > 5 (10(10)/L) and no viable hepatocellular carcinoma on diagnostic imaging. Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were separated by cell washing and were infused via the peripheral vein. After ABMI therapy liver function and Child-Pugh Score were significantly improved at 4 weeks and 24 weeks (P < 0.05). A total of 23 cases of ABMI therapy have been performed for LC patients to date. No major adverse effects were noted due to ABMI therapy. In conclusion, ABMI therapy should be considered as a novel treatment for LC patients.

Continuous high expression of XBP1 and GRP78 is important for the survival of bone marrow cells in CCl4-treated cirrhotic liver

We have previously shown that infusion of bone marrow cells (BMC) improves CCl(4)-induced cirrhosis. However, it is unclear why the injected BMC are resistant to CCl(4) damage and subsequently improve the local microenvironment in damaged liver. To analyze the cellular phenomena involved in this process, we studied the damaged liver using electron microscopy. We found that CCl(4) caused rough endoplasmic reticula to swell in hepatocytes. To analyze the gene expression patterns associated with this process, we conducted PCR-selected suppressive subtractive hybridization. We found that expression levels of HSP84, HSP40, and XBP1 differed markedly between control liver and liver infused with BMC. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that expression levels of HSP84 and HSP40 were markedly higher in the early phase of differentiation immediately after BMC infusion, but decreased over time. XBP1 expression remained high during the late phase, and GRP78 expression increased with XBP1 activation. We also found that GFP-positive BMC expressed XBP1 and GRP78. XBP1 and GRP78 are associated with ER stress. Thus, continuous high XBP1 and GRP78 expression might be essential for the survival and proliferation of BMC in a CCl(4)-induced persistent liver damage environment.

In vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells into hepatocytes induced by fibroblast growth factors and bone morphological protein-4

The feasibility of transforming embryonic endoderm into different cell types is tightly controlled by mesodermal and septum transversumal signalings during early embryonic development. Here, an induction protocol tracing embryonic liver development was designed, in which, three growth factors, acid fibroblast growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and bone morphological protein-4 that secreted from pre-cardiac mesoderm and septum transversum mesenchyme, respectively, were employed to investigate their specific potency of modulating the mature hepatocyte proportion during the differentiation process. Results showed that hepatic differentiation took place spontaneously at a low level, however, supplements of the three growth factors gave rise to a significant up-regulation of mature hepatocytes. Bone morphological protein-4 highlighted the differentiation ratio to 40-55%, showing the most effective promotion, and also exhibited a synergistic effect with the other two fibroblast factors, whereas no similar phenomenon was observed between the other two factors, which was reported for the first time. Our study not only provides a high-performance system of embryonic stem cells differentiating into hepatocytes, which would supply a sufficient hepatic population for related studies, but also make it clear of the inductive effects of three important growth factors, which could support for further investigation on the mechanisms of mesodermal and septumal derived signalings that regulate hepatic differentiation.

Administration of fibroblast growth factor 2 in combination with bone marrow transplantation synergistically improves carbon-tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice

We previously reported that fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) facilitated the differentiation of transplanted bone marrow cells (BMCs) into hepatocytes. Our earlier study also demonstrated that administration of FGF2 in combination with bone marrow transplantation (BMT) synergistically activated tumor necrosis factor-alpha signaling and significantly improved liver function and prognosis more than BMT alone. However, the way that it affected the extracellular matrix remained unclear. Here, we investigated the effect of FGF2 treatment together with BMT on liver fibrosis in mice treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)). Transplantation of BMCs and concurrent treatment with FGF2 caused a statistically significant reduction in CCl(4)-induced liver fibrosis that was accompanied by strong expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 as compared with FGF2-only treatment or BMT alone. Moreover, in this process, the proliferation of bone-marrow-derived cells was accelerated without causing apoptosis. Thus, the administration of FGF2 in combination with BMT synergistically improves CCl(4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. This treatment has the potential of being an effective therapy for patients with liver cirrhosis.

Improved Liver Function in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis After Autologous Bone Marrow Cell Infusion Therapy

We here report nine liver cirrhosis (LC) patients that underwent autologous bone marrow cell infusion (ABMI) from the peripheral vein. Subjects were patients with LC with total bilirubin of less than 3.0 mg/dl, platelet count of more than 5 (10(10)/l), and no viable hepatocellular carcinoma on diagnostic imaging. Autologous bone marrow (BM; 400 ml) was isolated from the ilium under general anesthesia. Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were separated by cell washing and were infused via the peripheral vein. MNC characteristics were confirmed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis (CD34, CD45, and c-kit). After ABMI therapy, liver function was monitored by blood examination for 24 weeks. From 400 ml of BM, we obtained 7.81 +/- 0.98 x 10(9) MNCs. After washing, 5.20 +/- 0.63 x 10(9) MNCs were infused into patients with LC. Significant improvements in serum albumin levels and total protein were observed at 24 weeks after ABMI therapy (p < .05). Significantly improved Child-Pugh scores were seen at 4 and 24 weeks (p < .05). alpha-Fetoprotein and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in liver biopsy tissue was significantly elevated after ABMI therapy (p < .05). No major adverse effects were noted. In conclusion, ABMI therapy should be considered as a novel treatment for patients with decompensated LC.