HANAN EL BAZ, ZEİNAB DEMERDASH, MANAL KAMEL, SHİMAA ATTA, FATEN SALAH, SALWA HASSAN, OLFAT HAMMAM, HEBA KHALİL, ALİ BAYOUMİ
Experimental and Clinical Transplantation - 2019;17(2):251-258
Objectives: Liver transplantation is the well-known treatment for chronic liver diseases; however, post - operative complications and lack of donors continue to be limitations with this treatment. Investigating new modalities for treatment of chronic liver illness is a must. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the effects of an in vitro hepatocyte-differentiated human unrestricted somatic stem cell transplant as a new cellbased therapy in an experimental model of chronic liver failure. Materials and Methods: Human umbilical cord bloodderived unrestricted somatic stem cells were isolated, cultured, propagated, and characterized. Cells were directed to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. An animal model of carbon tetrachloride cirrhotic liver failure was prepared, and the human in vitro differentiated unrestricted somatic stem cells were transplanted into the experimental model. Animals that did not receive transplant served as the pathologic control group. Animals were euthanized 12 weeks after transplant, and liver functions and histopathology were assessed. Results: Compared with the pathologic control group, the transplant group showed improvements in levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, and bilirubin. Histopathologic examination of the transplant group also showed improvements in hydropic degeneration and fibrosis. Conclusions: The use of unrestricted somatic stem cells, isolated and propagated from cord blood and then differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells, improved both fibrosis and normal function of cirrhotic livers. These cells could be considered as a line of cell-based therapy in cases of chronic liver disease.
