title: Amniotic-fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing interleukin-1 receptor antagonist improve fulminant hepatic failure.
abstract: Uncontrolled hepatic immunoactivation is regarded as the primary pathological mechanism of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). The major acute-phase mediators associated with FHF, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, impair the regeneration of liver cells and stem cell grafts. Amniotic-fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AF-MSCs) have the capacity, under specific conditions, to differentiate into hepatocytes. Interleukin-1-receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) plays an anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic role in acute and chronic inflammation, and has been used in many experimental and clinical applications. In the present study, we implanted IL-1Ra-expressing AF-MSCs into injured liver via the portal vein, using D-galactosamine-induced FHF in a rat model. IL-1Ra expression, hepatic injury, liver regeneration, cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6), and animal survival were assessed after cell transplantation. Our results showed that AF-MSCs over-expressing IL-1Ra prevented liver failure and reduced mortality in rats with FHF. These animals also exhibited improved liver function and increased survival rates after injection with these cells. Using green fluorescent protein as a marker, we demonstrated that the engrafted cells and their progeny were incorporated into injured livers and produced albumin. This study suggests that AF-MSCs genetically modified to over-express IL-1Ra can be implanted into the injured liver to provide a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of FHF.
authors: Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, People's Republic of China.
authors: Yu-Bao
authors: YB
authors: Zheng
authors: Xiao-Hong
authors: XH
authors: Zhang
authors: Zhan-Lian
authors: ZL
authors: Huang
authors: Chao-Shuang
authors: CS
authors: Lin
authors: Jing
authors: J
authors: Lai
authors: Yu-Rong
authors: YR
authors: Gu
authors: Bin-Liang
authors: BL
authors: Lin
authors: Dong-Ying
authors: DY
authors: Xie
authors: Shi-Bin
authors: SB
authors: Xie
authors: Liang
authors: L
authors: Peng
authors: Zhi-Liang
authors: ZL
authors: Gao
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000166:cytology*; D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D015870:Gene Expression; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein / Q000235:genetics*; D008099:Liver / Q000293:injuries / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D017114:Liver Failure, Acute / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D012038:Regeneration / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein