Topical Application of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Ameliorated Liver Parenchyma Damage After Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in an Animal Model

• Published in: Transplantation direct 2017-06, Vol.3 (6), p.e160-e160
• Main Authors: Lam, Ping Kuen, Chong, Charing Ching Ning, Lo, Anthony Wing Ip, Chan, Anthony Wing Hung, Tong, Cindy See Wai, Chin, Don Wai Ching, Wong, Kenneth Hoi Kin, Choy, Richard Kwong Wai, Fung, Andrew Kai-Yip, Wang, Yi Xiang, To, Ka Fai, Lai, Paul Bo San
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Basic Science
• ISSN: 2373-8731; 2373-8731
• DOI: 10.1097/TXD.0000000000000675

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is commonly encountered after liver surgery. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of topically applied adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADMSCs) on hepatic IRI in a rat model. ADMSCs from transgenic green fluorescent protein Sprague-Dawley rats were topically applied to the liver surface of Sprague-Dawley rats after hepatic IRI and fixed in position by fibrin glue (group A, n = 24). An equivalent amount of ADMSCs were administered through the portal (group B, n = 24) or tail vein (group C, n = 24). In the control group (group D, n = 20), no treatment was given to the IRI liver. All the rats in group A and group D survived. Within 2 days after hepatic IRI, only 50% of rats survived in group B, and ADMSCs were detected in thromboemboli within large vessels. 62.5% of the rats died in group C because most of the ADMSCs were trapped in the lungs. ADMSCs migrated across the liver capsule and homed to the injured liver parenchyma 3 days after topical application in group A. The homed ADMSCs expressed hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α and hepatocyte nuclear factor-1. Compared with group D, the rate of hepatic regeneration in group A was enhanced with less inflammation, smaller necrotic areas, and improved liver function. Proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-21, and CD70 were significantly downregulated in group A by 6.3-, 2.7-, and 12.7-fold, respectively ( < 0.05). The neurogenic locus NOTCH homolog protein pathway was activated in the topical ADMSCs. Topically applied adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells demonstrated hepatoprotective effects on hepatic IRI in an animal model.