Transplantation of human Wharton's Jelly-derived stem cells alleviates chemically induced liver fibrosis in rats.
There is currently no effective treatment method available for liver fibrosis. We therefore evaluated the use of Wharton's jelly stem cells (WJSCs; the major umbilical cord stem cell population) to treat chemically induced liver fibrosis via intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide. WJSCs were transplanted into liver-damaged rats via the portal vein and the treatment was evaluated by assessing serum biochemistry and histopathology. Transplanted WJSCs were distributed in the fibrotic area and around blood vessels, and hepatic recovery was accelerated. Serum prothrombin time significantly recovered, and serum albumin also improved at 21 days posttransplantation; collagen accumulation also decreased at 14 days. Thus, human WJSCs promoted recovery after chronic liver damage. Using immunohistochemical analyses, we determined that transplanted WJSCs produce albumin, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and metalloproteinase (MMP) after transplantation to chemically injured liver, indicating that WJSC may help to decrease liver collagen and thus may be useful for treating liver fibrosis.
Lin
Shinn-Zong
SZ
Center for Neuropsychiatry, China Medical University and Hospital and Beigang Hospital, Taichung and Yun-Lin, Taiwan, ROC.
Chang
Yao-Jen
YJ
Liu
Jen-Wea
JW
Chang
Li-Fu
LF
Sun
Li-Yi
LY
Li
Yuan-Sheng
YS
Luo
Geng-Hong
GH
Liao
Chia-Hui
CH
Chen
Pin-Hsin
PH
Chen
Tse-Min
TM
Lee
Ru-Ping
RP
Yang
Kuo-Liang
KL
Harn
Horng-Jyh
HJ
Chiou
Tzyy-Wen
TW
D000818:Animals; D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D045726:Metalloproteases / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000378:metabolism; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D013853:Thioacetamide / Q000633:toxicity; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000166:cytology*
D012709:Serum Albumin; D013853:Thioacetamide; D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor; D045726:Metalloproteases