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Hang HL, Liu XY, Wang HT, Xu N, Bian JM, Zhang JJ, Xia L, Xia Q. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4A improves hepatic differentiation of immortalized adult human hepatocytes and improves liver function and survival. Exp Cell Res 2017; 360:81-93. [PMID: 28870599 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Immortalized human hepatocytes (IHH) could provide an unlimited supply of hepatocytes, but insufficient differentiation and phenotypic instability restrict their clinical application. This study aimed to determine the role of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4A (HNF4A) in hepatic differentiation of IHH, and whether encapsulation of IHH overexpressing HNF4A could improve liver function and survival in rats with acute liver failure (ALF). Primary human hepatocytes were transduced with lentivirus-mediated catalytic subunit of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) to establish IHH. Cells were analyzed for telomerase activity, proliferative capacity, hepatocyte markers, and tumorigenicity (c-myc) expression. Hepatocyte markers, hepatocellular functions, and morphology were studied in the HNF4A-overexpressing IHH. Hepatocyte markers and karyotype analysis were completed in the primary hepatocytes using shRNA knockdown of HNF4A. Nuclear translocation of β-catenin was assessed. Rat models of ALF were treated with encapsulated IHH or HNF4A-overexpressing IHH. A HNF4A-positive IHH line was established, which was non-tumorigenic and conserved properties of primary hepatocytes. HNF4A overexpression significantly enhanced mRNA levels of genes related to hepatic differentiation in IHH. Urea levels were increased by the overexpression of HNF4A, as measured 24h after ammonium chloride addition, similar to that of primary hepatocytes. Chromosomal abnormalities were observed in primary hepatocytes transfected with HNF4A shRNA. HNF4α overexpression could significantly promote β-catenin activation. Transplantation of HNF4A overexpressing IHH resulted in better liver function and survival of rats with ALF compared with IHH. HNF4A improved hepatic differentiation of IHH. Transplantation of HNF4A-overexpressing IHH could improve the liver function and survival in a rat model of ALF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Lian Hang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Xin-Yu Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to NanJing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
| | - Hai-Tian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to NanJing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
| | - Ning Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Jian-Min Bian
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to NanJing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
| | - Jian-Jun Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Lei Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
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Zeilinger K, Freyer N, Damm G, Seehofer D, Knöspel F. Cell sources for in vitro human liver cell culture models. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2016; 241:1684-98. [PMID: 27385595 PMCID: PMC4999620 DOI: 10.1177/1535370216657448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro liver cell culture models are gaining increasing importance in pharmacological and toxicological research. The source of cells used is critical for the relevance and the predictive value of such models. Primary human hepatocytes (PHH) are currently considered to be the gold standard for hepatic in vitro culture models, since they directly reflect the specific metabolism and functionality of the human liver; however, the scarcity and difficult logistics of PHH have driven researchers to explore alternative cell sources, including liver cell lines and pluripotent stem cells. Liver cell lines generated from hepatomas or by genetic manipulation are widely used due to their good availability, but they are generally altered in certain metabolic functions. For the past few years, adult and pluripotent stem cells have been attracting increasing attention, due their ability to proliferate and to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells in vitro However, controlling the differentiation of these cells is still a challenge. This review gives an overview of the major human cell sources under investigation for in vitro liver cell culture models, including primary human liver cells, liver cell lines, and stem cells. The promises and challenges of different cell types are discussed with a focus on the complex 2D and 3D culture approaches under investigation for improving liver cell functionality in vitro Finally, the specific application options of individual cell sources in pharmacological research or disease modeling are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Zeilinger
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nora Freyer
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg Damm
- Department of General-, Visceral- and Transplantation Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Seehofer
- Department of General-, Visceral- and Transplantation Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Fanny Knöspel
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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Khetani SR, Berger DR, Ballinger KR, Davidson MD, Lin C, Ware BR. Microengineered liver tissues for drug testing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 20:216-50. [PMID: 25617027 DOI: 10.1177/2211068214566939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a leading cause of drug attrition. Significant and well-documented differences between animals and humans in liver pathways now necessitate the use of human-relevant in vitro liver models for testing new chemical entities during preclinical drug development. Consequently, several human liver models with various levels of in vivo-like complexity have been developed for assessment of drug metabolism, toxicity, and efficacy on liver diseases. Recent trends leverage engineering tools, such as those adapted from the semiconductor industry, to enable precise control over the microenvironment of liver cells and to allow for miniaturization into formats amenable for higher throughput drug screening. Integration of liver models into organs-on-a-chip devices, permitting crosstalk between tissue types, is actively being pursued to obtain a systems-level understanding of drug effects. Here, we review the major trends, challenges, and opportunities associated with development and implementation of engineered liver models created from primary cells, cell lines, and stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells. We also present key applications where such models are currently making an impact and highlight areas for improvement. In the future, engineered liver models will prove useful for selecting drugs that are efficacious, safer, and, in some cases, personalized for specific patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman R Khetani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Dustin R Berger
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Kimberly R Ballinger
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Matthew D Davidson
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Christine Lin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Brenton R Ware
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Gouliarmou V, Pelkonen O, Coecke S. Differentiation-Promoting Medium Additives for Hepatocyte Cultivation and Cryopreservation. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1250:143-159. [PMID: 26272140 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2074-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Isolated primary hepatocytes are considered as the reference system for in vitro hepatic methods. Following the isolation of primary hepatocytes from liver tissue, an unfavorable process named dedifferentiation is initiated leading to the attenuation of the hepatocellular phenotype both at the morphological and functional level. Freshly isolated hepatocytes can be used immediately or can be cryopreserved for future purposes. Currently, a number of antidedifferentiation strategies exist to extend the life span of isolated hepatocytes. The addition of differentiation-promoting compounds to the hepatocyte culture medium is the oldest and simplest antidedifferentiation approach applied. In the present chapter, the most commonly used medium additives for cultivation and cryopreservation of primary hepatocytes are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varvara Gouliarmou
- EURL ECVAM, Systems Toxicology Unit, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, European Commission, Joint Research Center, Via Fermi 2749, Ispra, 21027, Italy
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Zhou M, Huang Y, Cheng Z, Zhao F, Li J, Zhi X, Tian X, Sun W, Hu K. Revival, characterization, and hepatitis B virus infection of cryopreserved human fetal hepatocytes. J Virol Methods 2014; 207:29-37. [PMID: 24977316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2014.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Primary human hepatocytes are considered the ideal cellular model for in-vitro studies of liver-specific pathology, such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, poor accessibility, limited cell numbers, and lot-to-lot variation of primary human hepatocytes limit their broad application. Human fetal hepatocytes were isolated from postmortem embryonic liver tissues by two-step collagenase perfusion and cryopreserved. A monolayer of cryopreserved human fetal hepatocytes was established by optimizing such conditions as cell density and viability and purification of viable cells by Percoll. Finally, revived human fetal hepatocytes were characterized and infected with HBV. A large number of viable human fetal hepatocytes could be isolated and cryopreserved, with seeding density and viability being critical for the establishment of a compact monolayer culture. Using low-viability cryopreserved human fetal hepatocytes, a typical monolayer was established by purification with Percoll. The revived cells were actively proliferative, showed identical morphologic characteristics to non-cryopreserved cells, and had a typical hepatic gene expression profile. Moreover, this optimized model was susceptible to HBV infection and could be used to screen entry inhibitors against HBV infection. In conclusion, these methods can be used on human fetal hepatocytes to provide a cell bank for studies of the early stages of HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yayun Huang
- Biomedical Center, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhikui Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Fei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiafu Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoguang Zhi
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohui Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Weihua Sun
- Biomedical Center, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kanghong Hu
- Biomedical Center, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the most effective therapy for liver failure. However, OLT is severely limited by the shortage of liver donors. Bioartificial liver (BAL) shows great potential as an alternative therapy for liver failure. In recent years, progress has been made in BAL regarding genetically engineered cell lines, immortalized human hepatocytes, methods for preserving the phenotype of primary human hepatocytes, and other functional hepatocytes derived from stem cells. DATA SOURCES A systematic search of PubMed and ISI Web of Science was performed to identify relevant studies in English language literature using the key words such as liver failure, bioartificial liver, hepatocyte, stem cells, differentiation, and immortalization. More than 200 articles related to the cell sources of hepatocyte in BAL were systematically reviewed. RESULTS Methods for preserving the phenotype of primary human hepatocytes have been successfully developed. Many genetically engineered cell lines and immortalized human hepatocytes have also been established. Among these cell lines, the incorporation of BAL with GS-HepG2 cells or alginate-encapsulated HepG2 cells could prolong the survival time and improve pathophysiological parameters in an animal model of liver failure. The cBAL111 cells were evaluated using the AMC-BAL bioreactor, which could eliminate ammonia and lidocaine, and produce albumin. Importantly, BAL loading with HepLi-4 cells could significantly improve the blood biochemical parameters, and prolong the survival time in pigs with liver failure. Other functional hepatocytes differentiated from stem cells, such as human liver progenitor cells, have been successfully achieved. CONCLUSIONS Aside from genetically modified liver cell lines and immortalized human hepatocytes, other functional hepatocytes derived from stem cells show great potential as cell sources for BAL. BAL with safe and effective liver cells may be achieved for clinical liver failure in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ping Pan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the only effective long-term treatment for liver failure by now. However, it is not yet a perfect choice due to donor-organ shortage and the need of a lifelong immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore, it is necessary to find a new approach to fighting the disease. Several published clinical trials have reported the therapeutic effect of bio-artificial liver (BAL) for liver failure. OBJECTIVE To overview and evaluate the current clinical application and outcomes of extracorporeal BAL support system during the past 15 years. METHODS Relevant studies were retrieved from PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. Independent assessments and the final consensus decision were performed by three independent reviewers. Acceptable study designs included randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, and case reports. A total of 31 studies were tabulated and critically appraised in terms of characteristics, methods, and outcomes. RESULTS There was a trend of falling into the normal ranges with the clinical and biochemical parameters after the BAL treatment. The neurological status of most patients was improved or stabilized during BAL treatment as well. No significant effect on survival could be seen after the BAL treatment. CONCLUSIONS Although BAL system proved to be a success in some clinical cases reported, it still needs to be improved greatly.
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Current development of bioreactors for extracorporeal bioartificial liver (Review). Biointerphases 2011; 5:FA116-31. [PMID: 21171705 DOI: 10.1116/1.3521520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The research and development of extracorporeal bioartificial liver is gaining pace in recent years with the introduction of a myriad of optimally designed bioreactors with the ability to maintain long-term viability and liver-specific functions of hepatocytes. The design considerations for bioartificial liver are not trivial; it needs to consider factors such as the types of cell to be cultured in the bioreactor, the bioreactor configuration, the magnitude of fluid-induced shear stress, nutrients' supply, and wastes' removal, and other relevant issues before the bioreactor is ready for testing. This review discusses the exciting development of bioartificial liver devices, particularly the various types of cell used in current reactor designs, the state-of-the-art culturing and cryopreservation techniques, and the comparison among many today's bioreactor configurations. This review will also discuss in depth the importance of maintaining optimal mass transfer of nutrients and oxygen partial pressure in the bioreactor system. Finally, this review will discuss the commercially available bioreactors that are currently undergoing preclinical and clinical trials.
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Hang H, Shi X, Gu GX, Wu Y, Gu J, Ding Y. In vitro analysis of cryopreserved alginate-poly-L-lysine-alginate-microencapsulated human hepatocytes. Liver Int 2010; 30:611-22. [PMID: 20070514 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2009.02197.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The availability of well-characterized human hepatocytes that can be frozen and thawed will be critical for cell therapy. We addressed whether human hepatocytes can recover after microencapsulated cryopreservation and investigated whether these cryopreserved microencapsulated hepatocytes can be used for clinical applications. METHODS Adult hepatocytes of 18 separate donors were isolated with a two-step extracorporeal collagenase perfusion technique. After pre-incubation at 4 degrees C for 12-24 h in HepatoZYME-SFM, hepatocytes were microencapsulated using alginate-poly-L-lysine-alginate microcapsules. The microencapsulated hepatocytes were transferred to a complete medium containing 10% dimethyl sulphoxide. They were immediately placed into an isopropanol progressive freezing container at -80 degrees C overnight and immersed in liquid nitrogen the next day. During the post-thawing culture period, albumin secretion, urea synthesis, cell cycle, mRNA and protein levels, as well as the morphology and pathology structure of pre-incubation before microencapsulated cryopreservation (PMC) groups were analysed. RESULTS Compared with the immediate cryopreservation (IC) groups, we found significant improvement in the mRNA and protein levels in the attached cells, and higher secretion of albumin and urea levels after thawing. In the attached cultured human cryopreserved/thawed hepatocytes from the PMC group, albumin production was not significantly different from those of the direct culture groups on days 2, 3 and 4. The preserved morphology in the PMC group compared with the IC group was obvious. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study suggested recovery of the functional and morphological integrity of human hepatocytes after pre-incubation at 4 degrees C for 12-24 h before microencapsulated cryopreservation. These studies offer the possibility for clinical applications in pharmacotoxicology, bioartificial liver and cell therapy in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualian Hang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical College of Nanjing University, Jiangsu Province's Key Medical Center for Hepatobiliary Disease, Nanjing, China
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Catapano G, Klein JB. It's the end of the world as we know it - An era comes to a close. Int J Artif Organs 2009; 32:831-5. [DOI: 10.1177/039139880903201201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Catapano
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials, University of Calabria, Rende - Italy
| | - Jon B. Klein
- Kidney Disease Program, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky - USA
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