1
|
Wang H, Wen L, Jiang F, Ren P, Yang Y, Song S, Yang Z, Wang Y. A comprehensive review of advances in hepatocyte microencapsulation: selecting materials and preserving cell viability. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385022. [PMID: 38694507 PMCID: PMC11061843 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver failure represents a critical medical condition with a traditionally grim prognosis, where treatment options have been notably limited. Historically, liver transplantation has stood as the sole definitive cure, yet the stark disparity between the limited availability of liver donations and the high demand for such organs has significantly hampered its feasibility. This discrepancy has necessitated the exploration of hepatocyte transplantation as a temporary, supportive intervention. In light of this, our review delves into the burgeoning field of hepatocyte transplantation, with a focus on the latest advancements in maintaining hepatocyte function, co-microencapsulation techniques, xenogeneic hepatocyte transplantation, and the selection of materials for microencapsulation. Our examination of hepatocyte microencapsulation research highlights that, to date, most studies have been conducted in vitro or using liver failure mouse models, with a notable paucity of experiments on larger mammals. The functionality of microencapsulated hepatocytes is primarily inferred through indirect measures such as urea and albumin production and the rate of ammonia clearance. Furthermore, research on the mechanisms underlying hepatocyte co-microencapsulation remains limited, and the practicality of xenogeneic hepatocyte transplantation requires further validation. The potential of hepatocyte microencapsulation extends beyond the current scope of application, suggesting a promising horizon for liver failure treatment modalities. Innovations in encapsulation materials and techniques aim to enhance cell viability and function, indicating a need for comprehensive studies that bridge the gap between small-scale laboratory success and clinical applicability. Moreover, the integration of bioengineering and regenerative medicine offers novel pathways to refine hepatocyte transplantation, potentially overcoming the challenges of immune rejection and ensuring the long-term functionality of transplanted cells. In conclusion, while hepatocyte microencapsulation and transplantation herald a new era in liver failure therapy, significant strides must be made to translate these experimental approaches into viable clinical solutions. Future research should aim to expand the experimental models to include larger mammals, thereby providing a clearer understanding of the clinical potential of these therapies. Additionally, a deeper exploration into the mechanisms of cell survival and function within microcapsules, alongside the development of innovative encapsulation materials, will be critical in advancing the field and offering new hope to patients with liver failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hailian Wang
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Organ Transplantation, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Lebin Wen
- Department of Thyroid, Sichuan Second Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fengdi Jiang
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Pengyu Ren
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yixin Yang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The First Clinical Medical College of Norman Bethune University of Medical Sciences, Jilin, China
| | - Siyuan Song
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Zhengteng Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kasturi M, Mathur V, Gadre M, Srinivasan V, Vasanthan KS. Three Dimensional Bioprinting for Hepatic Tissue Engineering: From In Vitro Models to Clinical Applications. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2024; 21:21-52. [PMID: 37882981 PMCID: PMC10764711 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-023-00576-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fabrication of functional organs is the holy grail of tissue engineering and the possibilities of repairing a partial or complete liver to treat chronic liver disorders are discussed in this review. Liver is the largest gland in the human body and plays a responsible role in majority of metabolic function and processes. Chronic liver disease is one of the leading causes of death globally and the current treatment strategy of organ transplantation holds its own demerits. Hence there is a need to develop an in vitro liver model that mimics the native microenvironment. The developed model should be a reliable to understand the pathogenesis, screen drugs and assist to repair and replace the damaged liver. The three-dimensional bioprinting is a promising technology that recreates in vivo alike in vitro model for transplantation, which is the goal of tissue engineers. The technology has great potential due to its precise control and its ability to homogeneously distribute cells on all layers in a complex structure. This review gives an overview of liver tissue engineering with a special focus on 3D bioprinting and bioinks for liver disease modelling and drug screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghana Kasturi
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Vidhi Mathur
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Mrunmayi Gadre
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Varadharajan Srinivasan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Kirthanashri S Vasanthan
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Giuli L, Santopaolo F, Pallozzi M, Pellegrino A, Coppola G, Gasbarrini A, Ponziani FR. Cellular therapies in liver and pancreatic diseases. Dig Liver Dis 2023; 55:563-579. [PMID: 36543708 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2022.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, developments in regenerative medicine in gastroenterology have been greatly enhanced by the application of stem cells, which can self-replicate and differentiate into any somatic cell. The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells has opened remarkable perspectives on tissue regeneration, including their use as a bridge to transplantation or as supportive therapy in patients with organ failure. The improvements in DNA manipulation and gene editing strategies have also allowed to clarify the physiopathology and to correct the phenotype of several monogenic diseases, both in vivo and in vitro. Further progress has been made with the development of three-dimensional cultures, known as organoids, which have demonstrated morphological and functional complexity comparable to that of a miniature organ. Hence, owing to its protean applications and potential benefits, cell and organoid transplantation has become a hot topic for the management of gastrointestinal diseases. In this review, we describe current knowledge on cell therapies in hepatology and pancreatology, providing insight into their future applications in regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Giuli
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Santopaolo
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pallozzi
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Pellegrino
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetano Coppola
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lei XX, Zou CY, Hu JJ, Jiang YL, Zhang XZ, Zhao LM, He T, Zhang QY, Li YX, Li-Ling J, Xie HQ. Click-crosslinked in-situ hydrogel improves the therapeutic effect in wound infections through antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL 2023; 461:142092. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2023.142092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2024]
|
5
|
Syanda AM, Kringstad VI, Blackford SJI, Kjesbu JS, Ng SS, Ma L, Xiao F, Coron AE, Rokstad AMA, Modi S, Rashid ST, Strand BL. Sulfated Alginate Reduces Pericapsular Fibrotic Overgrowth on Encapsulated cGMP-Compliant hPSC-Hepatocytes in Mice. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:816542. [PMID: 35308825 PMCID: PMC8928731 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.816542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intra-peritoneal placement of alginate encapsulated human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes (hPSC-Heps) represents a potential new bridging therapy for acute liver failure. One of the rate-limiting steps that needs to be overcome to make such a procedure more efficacious and safer is to reduce the accumulation of fibrotic tissue around the encapsulated cells to allow the free passage of relevant molecules in and out for metabolism. Novel chemical compositions of alginate afford the possibility of achieving this aim. We accordingly used sulfated alginate and demonstrated that this material reduced fibrotic overgrowth whilst not impeding the process of encapsulation nor cell function. Cumulatively, this suggests sulfated alginate could be a more suitable material to encapsulate hPSC-hepatocyte prior to human use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam M. Syanda
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London (ICL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Vera I. Kringstad
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Samuel J. I. Blackford
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London (ICL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Joachim S. Kjesbu
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Soon Seng Ng
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London (ICL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London (ICL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Fang Xiao
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London (ICL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Abba E. Coron
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anne Mari A. Rokstad
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sunil Modi
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London (ICL), London, United Kingdom
| | - S. Tamir Rashid
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London (ICL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Berit Løkensgard Strand
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- *Correspondence: Berit Løkensgard Strand,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lamm V, Ekser B, Vagefi PA, Cooper DK. Bridging to Allotransplantation-Is Pig Liver Xenotransplantation the Best Option? Transplantation 2022; 106:26-36. [PMID: 33653996 PMCID: PMC10124768 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the past 20 y, the number of patients in the United States who died while waiting for a human donor liver totaled >52 000. The median national wait time for patients with acute liver failure and the most urgent liver transplant listing was 7 d in 2018. The need for a clinical "bridge" to allotransplantation is clear. Current options for supporting patients with acute liver failure include artificial liver support devices, extracorporeal liver perfusion, and hepatocyte transplantation, all of which have shown mixed results with regard to survival benefit and are largely experimental. Progress in the transplantation of genetically engineered pig liver grafts in nonhuman primates has grown steadily, with survival of the pig graft extended to almost 1 mo in 2017. Further advances may justify consideration of a pig liver transplant as a clinical bridge to allotransplantation. We provide a brief history of pig liver xenotransplantation, summarize the most recent progress in pig-to-nonhuman primate liver transplantation models, and suggest criteria that may be considered for patient selection for a clinical trial of bridging by genetically engineered pig liver xenotransplantation to liver allotransplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Lamm
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Parsia A. Vagefi
- Division of Surgical Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - David K.C. Cooper
- Xenotransplantation Program, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Biomaterials for Cell-Surface Engineering and Their Efficacy. J Funct Biomater 2021; 12:jfb12030041. [PMID: 34287337 PMCID: PMC8293134 DOI: 10.3390/jfb12030041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Literature in the field of stem cell therapy indicates that, when stem cells in a state of single-cell suspension are injected systemically, they show poor in vivo survival, while such cells show robust cell survival and regeneration activity when transplanted in the state of being attached on a biomaterial surface. Although an attachment-deprived state induces anoikis, when cell-surface engineering technology was adopted for stem cells in a single-cell suspension state, cell survival and regenerative activity dramatically improved. The biochemical signal coming from ECM (extracellular matrix) molecules activates the cell survival signal transduction pathway and prevents anoikis. According to the target disease, various therapeutic cells can be engineered to improve their survival and regenerative activity, and there are several types of biomaterials available for cell-surface engineering. In this review, biomaterial types and application strategies for cell-surface engineering are presented along with their expected efficacy.
Collapse
|
8
|
Yang Y, Zhao Y, Zhang L, Zhang F, Li L. The Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Liver Diseases: Mechanism, Efficacy, and Safety Issues. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:655268. [PMID: 34136500 PMCID: PMC8200416 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.655268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is a novel treatment for liver diseases due to the roles of MSCs in regeneration, fibrosis inhibition and immune regulation. However, the mechanisms are still not completely understood. Despite the significant efficacy of MSC therapy in animal models and preliminary clinical trials, issues remain. The efficacy and safety of MSC-based therapy in the treatment of liver diseases remains a challenging issue that requires more investigation. This article reviews recent studies on the mechanisms of MSCs in liver diseases and the associated challenges and suggests potential future applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yalei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingjian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang J, Chan HF, Wang H, Shao D, Tao Y, Li M. Stem cell therapy and tissue engineering strategies using cell aggregates and decellularized scaffolds for the rescue of liver failure. J Tissue Eng 2021; 12:2041731420986711. [PMID: 35003615 PMCID: PMC8733710 DOI: 10.1177/2041731420986711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver failure is a lethal condition with hepatocellular dysfunction, and liver transplantation is presently the only effective treatment. However, due to the limited availability of donors and the potential immune rejection, novel therapeutic strategies are actively sought to restore the normal hepatic architectures and functions, especially for livers with inherited metabolic dysfunctions or chronic diseases. Although the conventional cell therapy has shown promising results, the direct infusion of hepatocytes is hampered by limited hepatocyte sources, poor cell viability, and engraftment. Hence, this review mainly highlights the role of stem cells and progenitors as the alternative cell source and summarizes the potential approaches based on tissue engineering to improve the delivery efficiency of cells. Particularly, the underlying mechanisms for cell therapy using stem cells and progenitors are discussed in two main aspects: paracrine effect and cell differentiation. Moreover, tissue-engineering approaches using cell aggregates and decellularized liver scaffolds for bioengineering of functional hepatic constructs are discussed and compared in terms of the potential to replicate liver physiological structures. In the end, a potentially effective strategy combining the premium advantages of stem cell aggregates and decellularized liver scaffolds is proposed as the future direction of liver tissue engineering and regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiabin Zhang
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hon Fai Chan
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Haixia Wang
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Shao
- Institutes of Life Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Tao
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingqiang Li
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kong D, Xu H, Chen M, Yu Y, Qian Y, Qin T, Tong Y, Xia Q, Hang H. Co-encapsulation of HNF4α overexpressing UMSCs and human primary hepatocytes ameliorates mouse acute liver failure. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:449. [PMID: 33097090 PMCID: PMC7583302 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01962-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute liver failure (ALF) is a complicated condition that is characterized by global hepatocyte death and often requires immediate liver transplantation. However, this therapy is limited by shortage of donor organs. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and hepatocytes are two attractive sources of cell-based therapies to treat ALF. The combined transplantation of hepatocytes and MSCs is considered to be more effective for the treatment of ALF than single-cell transplantation. We have previously demonstrated that HNF4α-overexpressing human umbilical cord MSCs (HNF4α-UMSCs) promoted the expression of hepatic-specific genes. In addition, microencapsulation allows exchange of nutrients, forming a protective barrier to the transplanted cells. Moreover, encapsulation of hepatocytes improves the viability and synthetic ability of hepatocytes and circumvents immune rejection. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of microencapsulation of hepatocytes and HNF4α-UMSCs in ALF mice. METHODS Human hepatocytes and UMSCs were obtained separately from liver and umbilical cord, followed by co-encapsulation and transplantation into mice by intraperitoneal injection. LPS/D-gal was used to induce ALF by intraperitoneal injection 24 h after transplantation. In addition, Raw 264.7 cells (a macrophage cell line) were used to elucidate the effect of HNF4α-UMSCs-hepatocyte microcapsules on polarization of macrophages. The protein chip was used to define the important paracrine factors in the conditioned mediums (CMs) of UMSCs and HNF4α-UMSCs and investigate the possible mechanism of HNF4α-UMSCs for the treatment of ALF in mice. RESULTS HNF4α-UMSCs can enhance the function of primary hepatocytes in alginate-poly-L-lysine-alginate (APA) microcapsules. The co-encapsulation of both HNF4α-UMSCs and hepatocytes achieved better therapeutic effects in ALF mice by promoting M2 macrophage polarization and reducing inflammatory response mainly mediated by the paracrine factor HB-EGF secreted by HNF4α-UMSCs. CONCLUSIONS The present study confirms that the co-encapsulation of HNF4α-UMSC and hepatocytes could exert therapeutic effect on ALF mainly by HB-EGF secreted by HNF4α-UMSCs and provides a novel strategy for the treatment of ALF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Defu Kong
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Huiming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mo Chen
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yeping Yu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yongbing Qian
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Tian Qin
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Ying Tong
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Hualian Hang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
3D culture of functional human iPSC-derived hepatocytes using a core-shell microfiber. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234441. [PMID: 32525941 PMCID: PMC7289419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Human iPSC-derived hepatocytes hold great promise as a cell source for cell therapy and drug screening. However, the culture method for highly-quantified hepatocytes has not yet been established. Herein, we have developed an encapsulation and 3D cultivation method for iPSC-hepatocytes in core-shell hydrogel microfibers (a.k.a. cell fiber). In the fiber-shaped 3D microenvironment consisting of abundant extracellular matrix (ECM), the iPSC-hepatocytes exhibited many hepatic characteristics, including the albumin secretion, and the expression of the hepatic marker genes (ALB, HNF4α, ASGPR1, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4). Furthermore, we found that the fibers were mechanically stable and can be applicable to hepatocyte transplantation. Three days after transplantation of the microfibers into the abdominal cavity of immunodeficient mice, human albumin was detected in the peripheral blood of the transplanted mice. These results indicate that the iPSC-hepatocyte fibers are promising either as in vitro models for drug screening or as implantation grafts to treat liver failure.
Collapse
|
12
|
Dhawan A, Chaijitraruch N, Fitzpatrick E, Bansal S, Filippi C, Lehec SC, Heaton ND, Kane P, Verma A, Hughes RD, Mitry RR. Alginate microencapsulated human hepatocytes for the treatment of acute liver failure in children. J Hepatol 2020; 72:877-884. [PMID: 31843649 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver transplantation (LT) is the most effective treatment for patients with acute liver failure (ALF), but is limited by surgical risks and the need for life-long immunosuppression. Transplantation of microencapsulated human hepatocytes in alginate is an attractive option over whole liver replacement. The safety and efficacy of hepatocyte microbead transplantation have been shown in animal models. We report our experience of this therapy in children with ALF treated on a named-patient basis. METHODS Clinical grade human hepatocyte microbeads (HMBs) and empty microbeads were tested in immunocompetent healthy rats. Subsequently, 8 children with ALF, who were awaiting a suitable allograft for LT, received intraperitoneal transplantation of HMBs. We monitored complications of the procedure, assessing the host immune response and residual function of the retrieved HMBs, either after spontaneous native liver regeneration or at the time of LT. RESULTS Intraperitoneal transplantation of HMBs in healthy rats was safe and preserved synthetic and detoxification functions, without the need for immunosuppression. Subsequently, 8 children with ALF received HMBs (4 neonatal haemochromatosis, 2 viral infections and 2 children with unknown cause at time of infusion) at a median age of 14.5 days, range 1 day to 6 years. The procedure was well tolerated without complications. Of the 8 children, 4 avoided LT while 3 were successfully bridged to LT following the intervention. HMBs retrieved after infusions (at the time of LT) were structurally intact, free of host cell adherence and contained viable hepatocytes with preserved functions. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate the feasibility and safety of an HMB infusion in children with ALF. LAY SUMMARY Acute liver failure in children is a rare but devastating condition. Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment, but it has several important limitations. Liver cell (hepatocyte) transplantation is an attractive option, as many patients only require short-term liver support while their own liver recovers. Human hepatocytes encapsulated in alginate beads can perform the functions of the liver while alginate coating protects the cells from immune attack. Herein, we demonstrated that transplantation of these beads was safe and feasible in children with acute liver failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anil Dhawan
- Paediatric Liver GI and Nutrition Center, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Dhawan Lab at the Mowat Labs, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London at King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Nataruks Chaijitraruch
- Paediatric Liver GI and Nutrition Center, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Emer Fitzpatrick
- Paediatric Liver GI and Nutrition Center, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sanjay Bansal
- Paediatric Liver GI and Nutrition Center, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Filippi
- Dhawan Lab at the Mowat Labs, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London at King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon C Lehec
- Dhawan Lab at the Mowat Labs, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London at King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel D Heaton
- Liver Transplant Surgery, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pauline Kane
- Department of Radiology, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anita Verma
- Department of Infection Sciences and Microbiology, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin D Hughes
- Dhawan Lab at the Mowat Labs, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London at King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ragai R Mitry
- Dhawan Lab at the Mowat Labs, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London at King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mirdamadi ES, Kalhori D, Zakeri N, Azarpira N, Solati-Hashjin M. Liver Tissue Engineering as an Emerging Alternative for Liver Disease Treatment. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2020; 26:145-163. [PMID: 31797731 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2019.0233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases affect thousands of lives throughout the world every year. The shortage of liver donors for transplantation has been the main driving force to employ alternative methods such as liver tissue engineering (LTE) in fabricating a three-dimensional transplantable liver tissue or enhancing cell delivery techniques alleviating the need for liver donors. LTE consists of three components, cells, ECM (extracellular matrix), and signaling molecules, which we discuss the first and second. The three most common cell sources used in LTE are human and animal primary hepatocytes, and stem cells for different applications. Two major categories of ECM are used to mimic the microenvironment of these cells, named scaffolds and microbeads. Scaffolds have been made by numerous methods with a wide range of synthetic and natural biomaterials. Cell encapsulation has also been utilized by many polymeric biomaterials. To investigate their functions, many properties have been discussed in the literature, such as biochemical, geometrical, and mechanical properties, in both of these categories. Overall, LTE shows excellent potential in assisting hepatic disorders. However, some challenges exist that prevent the practical use of it clinically, making LTE an ongoing research subject in the scientific society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Sadat Mirdamadi
- BioFabrication Lab (BFL), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | - Dianoosh Kalhori
- BioFabrication Lab (BFL), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Zakeri
- BioFabrication Lab (BFL), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehran Solati-Hashjin
- BioFabrication Lab (BFL), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Balaphas A, Meyer J, Sadoul R, Morel P, Gonelle-Gispert C, Bühler LH. Extracellular vesicles: Future diagnostic and therapeutic tools for liver disease and regeneration. Liver Int 2019; 39:1801-1817. [PMID: 31286675 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles are membrane fragments that can be produced by all cell types. Interactions between extracellular vesicles and various liver cells constitute an emerging field in hepatology and recent evidences have established a role for extracellular vesicles in various liver diseases and physiological processes. Extracellular vesicles originating from liver cells are implicated in intercellular communication and fluctuations of specific circulating extracellular vesicles could constitute new diagnostic tools. In contrast, extracellular vesicles derived from progenitor cells interact with hepatocytes or non-parenchymal cells, thereby protecting the liver from various injuries and promoting liver regeneration. Our review focuses on recent developments investigating the role of various types of extracellular vesicles in acute and chronic liver diseases as well as their potential use as biomarkers and therapeutic tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Balaphas
- Division of Digestive Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Surgical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Geneva Medical School, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jeremy Meyer
- Division of Digestive Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Surgical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Geneva Medical School, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rémy Sadoul
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut des Neurosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Philippe Morel
- Division of Digestive Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Surgical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Geneva Medical School, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Gonelle-Gispert
- Surgical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Geneva Medical School, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Leo Hans Bühler
- Division of Digestive Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Surgical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Geneva Medical School, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Agarwal T, Subramanian B, Maiti TK. Liver Tissue Engineering: Challenges and Opportunities. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:4167-4182. [PMID: 33417776 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b00745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver tissue engineering aims at the possibility of reproducing a fully functional organ for the treatment of acute and chronic liver disorders. Approaches in this field endeavor to replace organ transplantation (gold standard treatment for liver diseases in a clinical setting) with in vitro developed liver tissue constructs. However, the complexity of the liver microarchitecture and functionality along with the limited supply of cellular components of the liver pose numerous challenges. This review provides a comprehensive outlook onto how the physicochemical, mechanobiological, and spatiotemporal aspects of the substrates could be tuned to address current challenges in the field. We also highlight the strategic advancements made in the field so far for the development of artificial liver tissue. We further showcase the currently available prototypes in research and clinical trials, which shows the hope for the future of liver tissue engineering.
Collapse
|
16
|
Agarwal T, Maiti TK, Behera B, Ghosh SK, Apoorva A, Padmavati M. Biofunctionalized cellulose paper matrix for cell delivery applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 139:114-127. [PMID: 31374267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.07.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The present study delineates the preparation, characterization, and application of (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES)/Caprine liver-derived extracellular matrix (CLECM) coated paper matrix for cell delivery. Here, we exploited positively charged surface of the paper matrix (as imparted by APTES derivatization) to improve the biological responses of the cells. Our results demonstrated that the functionalized paper matrixes favored the adhesion, growth, and proliferation of multiple cell types including normal, transformed, cancerous, and stem cells as compared to the pristine paper matrix. Upon implantation into the mice model, the developed paper matrix supported infiltration of the host cells and vasculature without showing any evidence of significant systemic toxicity. Moreover, the cells cultured on the paper matrix, when delivered to the CAM and mouse models, showed an enhanced vascular network around the substrate, thereby confirming its potential to deliver the cells in vivo. Together, the study confirms that the reported paper-based platform is easy to fabricate, cheap, portable and could efficiently be applied to cell delivery applications for either tissue repair or the development of humanized animal model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tarun Agarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Tapas Kumar Maiti
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India.
| | - Birendra Behera
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India; Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Sambalpur University, Odisha 768019, India.
| | - Sudip Kumar Ghosh
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India.
| | - Anupam Apoorva
- School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Manchikanti Padmavati
- Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang YM, Li K, Dou XG, Bai H, Zhao XP, Ma X, Li LJ, Chen ZS, Huang YC. Treatment of AECHB and Severe Hepatitis (Liver Failure). ACUTE EXACERBATION OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS B 2019. [PMCID: PMC7498915 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-024-1603-9_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This chapter describes the general treatment and immune principles and internal management for AECHB and HBV ACLF, including ICU monitoring, general supportive medications/nutrition/nursing, immune therapy, artificial liver supportive systems, hepatocyte/stem cell, and liver transplant, management for special populations, frequently clinical complications and the utilization of Chinese traditional medicines.Early clinical indicators of severe hepatitis B include acratia, gastrointestinal symptoms, a daily increase in serum bilirubin >1 mg/dL, toxic intestinal paralysis, bleeding tendency and mild mind anomaly or character change, and the presence of other diseases inducing severe hepatitis. Laboratory indicators include T-Bil, PTA, cholinesterase, pre-albumin and albumin. The roles of immune indicators (such as IL-6, TNF-α, and fgl2), gene polymorphisms, HBV genotypes, and gene mutations as early clinical indicators. Intensive Care Unit monitor patients with severe hepatitis include intracranial pressure, infection, blood dynamics, respiratory function, renal function, blood coagulation function, nutritional status and blood purification process. Nursing care should not only include routine care, but psychological and special care (complications). Nutrition support and nursing care should be maintained throughout treatment for severe hepatitis. Common methods of evaluating nutritional status include direct human body measurement, creatinine height index (CHI) and subject global assessment of nutrition (SGA). Malnourished patients should receive enteral or parenteral nutrition support. Immune therapies for severe hepatitis include promoting hepatocyte regeneration (e.g. with glucagon, hepatocyte growth factor and prostaglandin E1), glucocorticoid suppressive therapy, and targeting molecular blocking. Corticosteroid treatment should be early and sufficient, and adverse drug reactions monitored. Treatments currently being investigated are those targeting Toll-like receptors, NK cell/NK cell receptors, macrophage/immune coagulation system, CTLA-4/PD-1 and stem cell transplantation. In addition to conventional drugs and radioiodine, corticosteroids and artificial liver treatment can also be considered for severe hepatitis patients with hyperthyreosis. Patients with gestational severe hepatitis require preventive therapy for fetal growth restriction, and it is necessary to choose the timing and method of fetal delivery. For patients with both diabetes and severe hepatitis, insulin is preferred to oral antidiabetic agents to control blood glucose concentration. Liver toxicity of corticosteroids and immune suppressors should be monitored during treatment for severe hepatitis in patients with connective tissue diseases including SLE, RA and sicca syndrome. Patient with connective tissue diseases should preferably be started after the antiviral treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues. An artificial liver can improve patients’ liver function; remove endotoxins, blood ammonia and other toxins; correct amino acid metabolism and coagulation disorders; and reverse internal environment imbalances. Non-bioartificial livers are suitable for patients with early and middle stage severe hepatitis; for late-stage patients waiting for liver transplantation; and for transplanted patients with rejection reaction or transplant failure. The type of artificial liver should be determined by each patient’s condition and previous treatment purpose, and patients should be closely monitored for adverse reactions and complications. Bio- and hybrid artificial livers are still under development. MELD score is the international standard for choosing liver transplantation. Surgical methods mainly include the in situ classic type and the piggyback type; transplantation includes no liver prophase, no liver phase or new liver phase. Preoperative preparation, management of intraoperative and postoperative complications and postoperative long-term treatment are keys to success. Severe hepatitis belongs to the categories of “acute jaundice”, “scourge jaundice”, and “hot liver” in traditional Chinese medicine. Treatment methods include Chinese traditional medicines, acupuncture and acupoint injection, external application of drugs, umbilical compress therapy, drip, blow nose therapy, earpins, and clysis. Dietary care is also an important part of traditional Chinese medicine treatment.
Collapse
|
18
|
Advances in the slow freezing cryopreservation of microencapsulated cells. J Control Release 2018; 281:119-138. [PMID: 29782945 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, the use of cell microencapsulation technology has been promoted for a wide range of applications as sustained drug delivery systems or as cells containing biosystems for regenerative medicine. However, difficulty in their preservation and storage has limited their availability to healthcare centers. Because the preservation in cryogenic temperatures poses many biological and biophysical challenges and that the technology has not been well understood, the slow cooling cryopreservation, which is the most used technique worldwide, has not given full measure of its full potential application yet. This review will discuss the different steps that should be understood and taken into account to preserve microencapsulated cells by slow freezing in a successful and simple manner. Moreover, it will review the slow freezing preservation of alginate-based microencapsulated cells and discuss some recommendations that the research community may pursue to optimize the preservation of microencapsulated cells, enabling the therapy translate from bench to the clinic.
Collapse
|
19
|
Jitraruch S, Dhawan A, Hughes RD, Filippi C, Lehec SC, Glover L, Mitry RR. Cryopreservation of Hepatocyte Microbeads for Clinical Transplantation. Cell Transplant 2018; 26:1341-1354. [PMID: 28901189 PMCID: PMC5680969 DOI: 10.1177/0963689717720050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Intraperitoneal transplantation of hepatocyte microbeads is an attractive option for the management of acute liver failure. Encapsulation of hepatocytes in alginate microbeads supports their function and prevents immune attack of the cells. Establishment of banked cryopreserved hepatocyte microbeads is important for emergency use. The aim of this study was to develop an optimized protocol for cryopreservation of hepatocyte microbeads for clinical transplantation using modified freezing solutions. Four freezing solutions with potential for clinical application were investigated. Human and rat hepatocytes cryopreserved with University of Wisconsin (UW)/10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/5% (300 mM) glucose and CryoStor CS10 showed better postthawing cell viability, attachment, and hepatocyte functions than with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate/10% DMSO/5% glucose and Bambanker. The 2 freezing solutions that gave better results were studied with human and rat hepatocytes microbeads. Similar effects on cryopreserved microbead morphology (external and ultrastructural), viability, and hepatocyte-functions post thawing were observed over 7 d in culture. UW/DMSO/glucose, as a basal freezing medium, was used to investigate the additional effects of cytoprotectants: a pan-caspase inhibitor (benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-dl-Asp-fluoromethylketone [ZVAD]), an antioxidant (desferoxamine [DFO]), and a buffering and mechanical protectant (human serum albumin [HSA]) on RMBs. ZVAD (60 µM) had a beneficial effect on cell viability that was greater than with DFO (1 mM), HSA (2%), and basal freezing medium alone. Improvements in the ultrastructure of encapsulated hepatocytes and a lower degree of cell apoptosis were observed with all 3 cytoprotectants, with ZVAD tending to provide the greatest effect. Cytochrome P450 activity was significantly higher in the 3 cytoprotectant groups than with fresh microbeads. In conclusion, developing an optimized cryopreservation protocol by adding cytoprotectants such as ZVAD could improve the outcome of cryopreserved hepatocyte microbeads for future clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suttiruk Jitraruch
- 1 Dhawan Lab at Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,2 Department of Pediatrics, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anil Dhawan
- 1 Dhawan Lab at Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin D Hughes
- 1 Dhawan Lab at Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Filippi
- 1 Dhawan Lab at Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon C Lehec
- 1 Dhawan Lab at Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leanne Glover
- 3 Centre for Ultrastructural Imaging, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ragai R Mitry
- 1 Dhawan Lab at Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Smith KE, Johnson RC, Papas KK. Update on cellular encapsulation. Xenotransplantation 2018; 25:e12399. [DOI: 10.1111/xen.12399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kate E. Smith
- Department of Physiological Sciences; University of Arizona; Tucson AZ USA
- Department of Surgery; University of Arizona; Tucson AZ USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lee CA, Sinha S, Fitzpatrick E, Dhawan A. Hepatocyte transplantation and advancements in alternative cell sources for liver-based regenerative medicine. J Mol Med (Berl) 2018; 96:469-481. [PMID: 29691598 PMCID: PMC5988761 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-018-1638-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human hepatocyte transplantation has been actively perused as an alternative to liver replacement for acute liver failure and liver-based metabolic defects. Current challenges in this field include a limited cell source, reduced cell viability following cryopreservation and poor engraftment of cells into the recipient liver with consequent limited life span. As a result, alternative stem cell sources such as pluripotent stem cells, fibroblasts, hepatic progenitor cells, amniotic epithelial cells and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) can be used to generate induced hepatocyte like cells (HLC) with each technique exhibiting advantages and disadvantages. HLCs may have comparable function to primary human hepatocytes and could offer patient-specific treatment. However, long-term functionality of transplanted HLCs and the potential oncogenic risks of using stem cells have yet to be established. The immunomodulatory effects of MSCs are promising, and multiple clinical trials are investigating their effect in cirrhosis and acute liver failure. Here, we review the current status of hepatocyte transplantation, alternative cell sources to primary human hepatocytes and their potential in liver regeneration. We also describe recent clinical trials using hepatocytes derived from stem cells and their role in improving the phenotype of several liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A Lee
- Dhawan Lab, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation trust, London, UK
| | - Siddharth Sinha
- Dhawan Lab, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation trust, London, UK
| | - Emer Fitzpatrick
- Paediatric Liver GI and Nutrition Centre, King's College London at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anil Dhawan
- Paediatric Liver GI and Nutrition Centre, King's College London at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Beneficial Effects of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells on Porcine Hepatocyte Viability and Albumin Secretion. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:1078547. [PMID: 29577046 PMCID: PMC5822000 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1078547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine hepatocytes transplanted during acute liver failure might support metabolic functions until the diseased liver recovers its function. Here, we isolated high numbers of viable pig hepatocytes and evaluated hepatocyte functionality after encapsulation. We further investigated whether coculture and coencapsulation of hepatocytes with human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are beneficial on hepatocyte function. Livers from 10 kg pigs (n = 9) were harvested, and hepatocytes were isolated from liver suspensions for microencapsulation using alginate and poly(ethylene-glycol)- (PEG-) grafted alginate hydrogels, either alone or in combination with MSC. Viability, albumin secretion, and diazepam catabolism of hepatocytes were measured for one week. 9.2 ± 3.6 × 109 hepatocytes with 95.2 ± 3.1% viability were obtained after isolation. At day 3, free hepatocytes displayed 99% viability, whereas microencapsulation in alginate and PEG-grafted alginate decreased viability to 62% and 48%, respectively. Albumin secretion and diazepam catabolism occurred in free and microencapsulated hepatocytes. Coencapsulation of hepatocytes with MSC significantly improved viability and albumin secretion at days 4 and 8 (p < 0.05). Coculture with MSC significantly increased and prolonged albumin secretion. In conclusion, we established a protocol for isolation and microencapsulation of high numbers of viable pig hepatocytes and demonstrated that the presence of MSC is beneficial for the viability and function of porcine hepatocytes.
Collapse
|
23
|
Squires JE, Soltys KA, McKiernan P, Squires RH, Strom SC, Fox IJ, Soto-Gutierrez A. Clinical Hepatocyte Transplantation: What Is Next? CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2017; 4:280-289. [PMID: 29732274 DOI: 10.1007/s40472-017-0165-6] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of review Significant recent scientific developments have occurred in the field of liver repopulation and regeneration. While techniques to facilitate liver repopulation with donor hepatocytes and different cell sources have been studied extensively in the laboratory, in recent years clinical hepatocyte transplantation (HT) and liver repopulation trials have demonstrated new disease indications and also immunological challenges that will require the incorporation of a fresh look and new experimental approaches. Recent findings Growth advantage and regenerative stimulus are necessary to allow donor hepatocytes to proliferate. Current research efforts focus on mechanisms of donor hepatocyte expansion in response to liver injury/preconditioning. Moreover, latest clinical evidence shows that important obstacles to HT include optimizing engraftment and limited duration of effectiveness, with hepatocytes being lost to immunological rejection. We will discuss alternatives for cellular rejection monitoring, as well as new modalities to follow cellular graft function and near-to-clinical cell sources. Summary HT partially corrects genetic disorders for a limited period of time and has been associated with reversal of ALF. The main identified obstacles that remain to make HT a curative approach include improving engraftment rates, and methods for monitoring cellular graft function and rejection. This review aims to discuss current state-of-the-art in clinical HT and provide insights into innovative approaches taken to overcome these obstacles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James E Squires
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kyle A Soltys
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplant Institute, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Patrick McKiernan
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Robert H Squires
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Stephen C Strom
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ira J Fox
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, and McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sarker B, Zehnder T, Rath SN, Horch RE, Kneser U, Detsch R, Boccaccini AR. Oxidized Alginate-Gelatin Hydrogel: A Favorable Matrix for Growth and Osteogenic Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in 3D. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2017; 3:1730-1737. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.7b00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bapi Sarker
- Institute
of Biomaterials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tobias Zehnder
- Institute
of Biomaterials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Subha N. Rath
- Department
of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Raymund E. Horch
- Department
of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kneser
- Department
of Hand, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma
Center Ludwigshafen and Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rainer Detsch
- Institute
of Biomaterials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Aldo R. Boccaccini
- Institute
of Biomaterials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Shoda LK, Battista C, Siler SQ, Pisetsky DS, Watkins PB, Howell BA. Mechanistic Modelling of Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Investigating the Role of Innate Immune Responses. GENE REGULATION AND SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2017; 11:1177625017696074. [PMID: 28615926 PMCID: PMC5459514 DOI: 10.1177/1177625017696074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) remains an adverse event of significant concern for drug development and marketed drugs, and the field would benefit from better tools to identify liver liabilities early in development and/or to mitigate potential DILI risk in otherwise promising drugs. DILIsym software takes a quantitative systems toxicology approach to represent DILI in pre-clinical species and in humans for the mechanistic investigation of liver toxicity. In addition to multiple intrinsic mechanisms of hepatocyte toxicity (ie, oxidative stress, bile acid accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction), DILIsym includes the interaction between hepatocytes and cells of the innate immune response in the amplification of liver injury and in liver regeneration. The representation of innate immune responses, detailed here, consolidates much of the available data on the innate immune response in DILI within a single framework and affords the opportunity to systematically investigate the contribution of the innate response to DILI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisl Km Shoda
- DILIsym Services, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Christina Battista
- DILIsym Services, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.,UNC Institute for Drug Safety Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Scott Q Siler
- DILIsym Services, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - David S Pisetsky
- Medical Research Service, Durham VA Medical Center and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Paul B Watkins
- UNC Institute for Drug Safety Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Machaidze Z, Yeh H, Wei L, Schuetz C, Carvello M, Sgroi A, Smith RN, Schuurman HJ, Sachs DH, Morel P, Markmann JF, Bühler LH. Testing of microencapsulated porcine hepatocytes in a new model of fulminant liver failure in baboons. Xenotransplantation 2017; 24. [PMID: 28261903 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12297] [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: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no standard therapy for acute liver failure. Hepatocyte transplantation has been proposed for temporary liver function support, while the injured liver regenerates or while waiting for transplantation. We have previously shown such efficacy for microencapsulated porcine hepatocytes in mice with fulminant liver failure. We aimed to establish a large animal model for fulminant liver failure to assess the efficacy of microencapsulated porcine hepatocytes in temporary liver function support. METHODS The model was developed in baboons; for testing microencapsulated hepatocytes, the best condition was 75% hepatectomy and 60 min warm ischemia time. Fulminant liver failure was characterized by steep increases in liver biochemical parameters, severe steatosis, and massive hepatocyte necrosis during the first 10 days. Hepatocytes from miniature swine were microencapsulated in alginate-poly-l-lysine microspheres, and transplanted intraperitoneally immediately after hepatectomy and warm ischemia (80-120 mL packed hepatocytes in 200-350 mL microspheres, about 30%-50% of the baboon's native liver volume). RESULTS In the control group, three of five animals were sacrificed after 6-10 days because of fulminant liver failure, and two of five animals recovered normal liver function and survived until elective euthanasia (28 days). In the treatment group of four animals, one animal developed liver failure but survived to 21 days, and three animals recovered completely with normal liver function. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that microencapsulated porcine hepatocytes provide temporary liver function support in baboons with fulminant liver failure. These data support development of this cell therapy product toward clinical trials in patients with acute liver failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zurab Machaidze
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Heidi Yeh
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lingling Wei
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christian Schuetz
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michele Carvello
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonino Sgroi
- Department of Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rex N Smith
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Henk-Jan Schuurman
- Department of Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David H Sachs
- Transplant Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philippe Morel
- Department of Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - James F Markmann
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Léo H Bühler
- Department of Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Microencapsulation of Hepatocytes and Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Therapeutic Applications. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1506:259-271. [PMID: 27830559 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6506-9_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Encapsulated hepatocyte transplantation and encapsulated mesenchymal stem cell transplantation are newly developed potential treatments for acute and chronic liver diseases, respectively. Cells are microencapsulated in biocompatible semipermeable alginate-based hydrogels. Microspheres protect cells against antibodies and immune cells, while allowing nutrients, small/medium size proteins and drugs to diffuse inside and outside the polymer matrix. Microencapsulated cells are assessed in vitro and designed for experimental transplantation and for future clinical applications.Here, we describe the protocol for microencapsulation of hepatocytes and mesenchymal stem cells within hybrid poly(ethylene glycol)-alginate hydrogels.
Collapse
|
28
|
Alternative Cell Sources to Adult Hepatocytes for Hepatic Cell Therapy. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1506:17-42. [PMID: 27830543 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6506-9_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Adult hepatocyte transplantation is limited by scarce availability of suitable donor liver tissue for hepatocyte isolation. New cell-based therapies are being developed to supplement whole-organ liver transplantation, to reduce the waiting-list mortality rate, and to obtain more sustained and significant metabolic correction. Fetal livers and unsuitable neonatal livers for organ transplantation have been proposed as potential useful sources of hepatic cells for cell therapy. However, the major challenge is to use alternative cell sources for transplantation that can be derived from reproducible methods. Different types of stem cells with hepatic differentiation potential are eligible for generating large numbers of functional hepatocytes for liver cell therapy to treat degenerative disorders, inborn hepatic metabolic diseases, and organ failure. Clinical trials are designed to fully establish the safety profile of such therapies and to define target patient groups and standardized protocols.
Collapse
|
29
|
Lee CA, Dhawan A, Smith RA, Mitry RR, Fitzpatrick E. Instant Blood-Mediated Inflammatory Reaction in Hepatocyte Transplantation: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Cell Transplant 2016; 25:1227-36. [PMID: 26996786 DOI: 10.3727/096368916x691286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte transplantation (HT) is emerging as a promising alternative to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in patients with certain liver-based metabolic disease and acute liver failure. Hepatocytes are generally infused into the portal venous system, from which they migrate into the liver cell plates of the native organ. One of the major hurdles to the sustained success of this therapy is early cell loss, with up to 70% of hepatocytes lost immediately following infusion. This is largely thought to be due to the instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR), resulting in the activation of complement and coagulation pathways. Transplanted hepatocytes produce and release tissue factor (TF), which activates the coagulation pathway, leading to the formation of thrombin and fibrin clots. Thrombin can further activate a number of complement proteins, leading to the activation of the membrane attack complex (MAC) and subsequent hepatocyte cell death. Inflammatory cells including granulocytes, monocytes, Kupffer cells, and natural killer (NK) cells have been shown to cluster around transplanted hepatocytes, leading to their rapid clearance shortly after transplantation. Current research aims to improve cell engraftment and prevent early cell loss. This has been proven successful in vitro using pharmacological interventions such as melagatran, low-molecular-weight dextran sulphate, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Effective inhibition of IBMIR would significantly improve hepatocyte engraftment, proliferation, and function, providing successful treatment for patients with liver-based metabolic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A Lee
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Dhawan A. Clinical human hepatocyte transplantation: Current status and challenges. Liver Transpl 2015; 21 Suppl 1:S39-44. [PMID: 26249755 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anil Dhawan
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Cell Therapy Unit, National Institute for Health Research/Wellcome Trust King's Clinical Research Facility, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Meier RPH, Navarro-Alvarez N, Morel P, Schuurman HJ, Strom S, Bühler LH. Current status of hepatocyte xenotransplantation. Int J Surg 2015; 23:273-279. [PMID: 26361861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.08.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of acute liver failure, a condition with high mortality, comprises optimal clinical care, and in severe cases liver transplantation. However, there are limitations in availability of organ donors. Hepatocyte transplantation is a promising alternative that could fill the medical need, in particular as the bridge to liver transplantation. Encapsulated porcine hepatocytes represent an unlimited source that could function as a bioreactor requiring minimal immunosuppression. Besides patients with acute liver failure, patients with alcoholic hepatitis who are unresponsive to a short course of corticosteroids are a target for hepatocyte transplantation. In this review we present an overview of the innate immune barriers in hepatocyte xenotransplantation, including the role of complement and natural antibodies; the role of phagocytic cells and ligands like CD47 in the regulation of phagocytic cells; and the role of Natural Killer cells. We present also some illustrations of physiological species incompatibilities in hepatocyte xenotransplantation, such as incompatibilities in the coagulation system. An overview of the methodology for cell microencapsulation is presented, followed by proof-of-concept studies in rodent and nonhuman primate models of fulminant liver failure: these studies document the efficacy of microencapsulated porcine hepatocytes which warrants progress towards clinical application. Lastly, we present an outline of a provisional clinical trial, that upon completion of preclinical work could start within the upcoming 2-3 years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphael P H Meier
- Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Nalu Navarro-Alvarez
- Center for Transplantation Sciences (CTS), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philippe Morel
- Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Henk-Jan Schuurman
- Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephen Strom
- Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leo H Bühler
- Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zhou H, Liu H, Ezzelarab M, Schmelzer E, Wang Y, Gerlach J, Gridelli B, Cooper DKC. Experimental hepatocyte xenotransplantation--a comprehensive review of the literature. Xenotransplantation 2015; 22:239-48. [PMID: 25950141 PMCID: PMC4519403 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocyte transplantation (Tx) is a potential therapy for certain diseases of the liver, including hepatic failure. However, there is a limited supply of human livers as a source of cells and, after isolation, human hepatocytes can be difficult to expand in culture, limiting the number available for Tx. Hepatocytes from other species, for example, the pig, have therefore emerged as a potential alternative source. We searched the literature through the end of 2014 to assess the current status of experimental research into hepatocyte xenoTx. The literature search identified 51 reports of in vivo cross-species Tx of hepatocytes in a variety of experimental models. Most studies investigated the Tx of human (n = 23) or pig (n = 19) hepatocytes. No studies explored hepatocytes from genetically engineered pigs. The spleen was the most common site of Tx (n = 23), followed by the liver (through the portal vein [n = 6]) and peritoneal cavity (n = 19). In 47 studies (92%), there was evidence of hepatocyte engraftment and function across a species barrier. The data provided by this literature search strengthen the hypothesis that xenoTx of hepatocytes is feasible and potentially successful as a clinical therapy for certain liver diseases, including hepatic failure. By excluding vascular structures, hepatocytes isolated from genetically engineered pig livers may address some of the immunological problems of xenoTx.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huidong Zhou
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for Kidney Transplantation, Second Affiliated Hospital of the University of South China, Heng(1)yang, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of General Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, ShanXi, China
| | - Mohamed Ezzelarab
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Eva Schmelzer
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yi Wang
- Center for Kidney Transplantation, Second Affiliated Hospital of the University of South China, Heng(1)yang, Hunan, China
| | - Jörg Gerlach
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bruno Gridelli
- Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
| | - David K. C. Cooper
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
|
34
|
Gurruchaga H, Saenz del Burgo L, Ciriza J, Orive G, Hernández RM, Pedraz JL. Advances in cell encapsulation technology and its application in drug delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2015; 12:1251-67. [PMID: 25563077 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2015.1001362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cell encapsulation technology has improved enormously since it was proposed 50 years ago. The advantages offered over other alternative systems, such as the prevention of repetitive drug administration, have triggered the use of this technology in multiple therapeutic applications. AREAS COVERED In this article, improvements in cell encapsulation technology and strategies to overcome the drawbacks that prevent its use in the clinic have been summarized and discussed. Different studies and clinical trials that have been performed in several therapeutic applications have also been described. EXPERT OPINION The authors believe that the future translation of this technology from bench to bedside requires the optimization of diverse aspects: i) biosafety, controlling and monitoring cell viability; ii) biocompatibility, reducing pericapsular fibrotic growth and hypoxia suffered by the graft; iii) control over drug delivery; iv) and the final scale up. On the other hand, an area that deserves more attention is the cryopreservation of encapsulated cells as this will facilitate the arrival of these biosystems to the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haritz Gurruchaga
- University of the Basque Country, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, NanoBioCel Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, UPV/EHU , Vitoria-Gasteiz, 01006 , Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Jitraruch S, Dhawan A, Hughes RD, Filippi C, Soong D, Philippeos C, Lehec SC, Heaton ND, Longhi MS, Mitry RR. Alginate microencapsulated hepatocytes optimised for transplantation in acute liver failure. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113609. [PMID: 25438038 PMCID: PMC4249959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Intraperitoneal transplantation of alginate-microencapsulated human hepatocytes is an attractive option for the management of acute liver failure (ALF) providing short-term support to allow native liver regeneration. The main aim of this study was to establish an optimised protocol for production of alginate-encapsulated human hepatocytes and evaluate their suitability for clinical use. Methods Human hepatocyte microbeads (HMBs) were prepared using sterile GMP grade materials. We determined physical stability, cell viability, and hepatocyte metabolic function of HMBs using different polymerisation times and cell densities. The immune activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after co-culture with HMBs was studied. Rats with ALF induced by galactosamine were transplanted intraperitoneally with rat hepatocyte microbeads (RMBs) produced using a similar optimised protocol. Survival rate and biochemical profiles were determined. Retrieved microbeads were evaluated for morphology and functionality. Results The optimised HMBs were of uniform size (583.5±3.3 µm) and mechanically stable using 15 min polymerisation time compared to 10 min and 20 min (p<0.001). 3D confocal microscopy images demonstrated that hepatocytes with similar cell viability were evenly distributed within HMBs. Cell density of 3.5×106 cells/ml provided the highest viability. HMBs incubated in human ascitic fluid showed better cell viability and function than controls. There was no significant activation of PBMCs co-cultured with empty or hepatocyte microbeads, compared to PBMCs alone. Intraperitoneal transplantation of RMBs was safe and significantly improved the severity of liver damage compared to control groups (empty microbeads and medium alone; p<0.01). Retrieved RMBs were intact and free of immune cell adherence and contained viable hepatocytes with preserved function. Conclusion An optimised protocol to produce GMP grade alginate-encapsulated human hepatocytes has been established. Transplantation of microbeads provided effective metabolic function in ALF. These high quality HMBs should be suitable for use in clinical transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suttiruk Jitraruch
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anil Dhawan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (AD); (RRM)
| | - Robin D. Hughes
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Filippi
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Soong
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Excellence Cardiovascular Division, King's College London School of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Philippeos
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon C. Lehec
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel D. Heaton
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria S. Longhi
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ragai R. Mitry
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (AD); (RRM)
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhang S, Zhang B, Chen X, Chen L, Wang Z, Wang Y. Three-dimensional culture in a microgravity bioreactor improves the engraftment efficiency of hepatic tissue constructs in mice. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2014; 25:2699-2709. [PMID: 25056199 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-014-5279-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Tissue-engineered liver using primary hepatocytes has been considered a valuable new therapeutic modality as an alternative to whole organ liver transplantation for different liver diseases. The development of clinically feasible liver tissue engineering approaches, however, has been hampered by the poor engraftment efficiency of hepatocytes. We developed a three-dimensional (3D) culture system using a microgravity bioreactor (MB), biodegradable scaffolds and growth-factor-reduced Matrigel to construct a tissue-engineered liver for transplantation into the peritoneal cavity of non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient mice. The number of viable cells in the hepatic tissue constructs was stably maintained in the 3D MB culture system. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and zonula occludens-1 expression revealed that neonatal mouse liver cells were reorganized to form tissue-like structures during MB culture. Significantly upregulated hepatic functions (albumin secretion, urea production and cytochrome P450 activity) were observed in the MB culture group. Post-transplantation analysis indicated that the engraftment efficiency of the hepatic tissue constructs prepared in MB cultures was higher than that of those prepared in the static cultures. Higher level of hepatic function in the implants was confirmed by the expression of albumin. These findings suggest that 3D MB culture systems may offer an improved method for creating tissue-engineered liver because of the higher engraftment efficiency and the reduction of the initial cell function loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shichang Zhang
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China,
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Acarregui A, Herrán E, Igartua M, Blanco FJ, Pedraz JL, Orive G, Hernandez RM. Multifunctional hydrogel-based scaffold for improving the functionality of encapsulated therapeutic cells and reducing inflammatory response. Acta Biomater 2014; 10:4206-16. [PMID: 25010523 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2014.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Since the introduction of cell immunoisolation as an alternative to protect transplanted cells from host immune attack, much effort has been made to develop this technology into a realistic clinical proposal. Several promising approaches have been investigated to resolve the biotechnological and biosafety challenges related to cell microencapsulation. Here, a multifunctional hydrogel-based scaffold consisting of cell-loaded alginate-poly-l-lysine-alginate (APA) microcapsules and dexamethasone (DXM)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microspheres embedded in alginate hydrogel is developed and evaluated. Initially, the feasibility of using an alginate hydrogel for enclosing APA microcapsules was studied in a xenogeneic approach. In addition, the performance of the local release of DXM was addressed. The in vitro studies confirmed the correct adaptation of the enclosed cells to the scaffolds in terms of metabolic activity and viability. The posterior implantation of the hydrogel-based scaffolds containing cell-loaded microcapsules revealed that the hematocrit levels were maintained high and constant, and the pericapsular overgrowth was reduced in the DXM-treated rats for at least 2months. This multifunctional scaffold might have a synergistic effect: (1) providing a physical support for APA microcapsules, facilitating administration, ensuring retention and recuperation and preventing dissemination; and (2) reducing post-transplantation inflammation and foreign body reaction, thus prolonging the lifetime of the implant by the continuous and localized release of DXM.
Collapse
|
38
|
Effects of coencapsulation of hepatocytes with adipose-derived stem cells in the treatment of rats with acute-on-chronic liver failure. Int J Artif Organs 2014; 37:133-41. [PMID: 24619896 PMCID: PMC6161594 DOI: 10.5301/ijao.5000284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Cell transplantation is an alternative to liver transplantation, which is hampered by short survival time and immunorejection. The goal of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of hepatocytes coencapsulated with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in treating acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Methods Rat hepatocytes and ADSCs were isolated, and coencapsulated by alginate-poly-L-lysinealginate microencapsulation. The morphological and functional changes of heterotypic interactions were characterized. ACLF in rats was induced by D-galactosamine administration following CCl4-induced cirrhosis. These rats were subjected to intraperitoneal transplantation of 5 × 107 coencapsulated hepatocytes with ADSCs, 5 × 107 encapsulated hepatocytes alone, or empty vehicles after 24 h, respectively. The survival rate and liver functions were assessed. Results Hepatocyte performance levels such as albumin secretion and urea synthesis induction were all significantly enhanced in the coencapsulation group compared with the homo-encapsulated hepatocytes group (p<0.05). The results of cell cycle analysis showed that larger populations of hepatocytes with ADSC treatment were accumulated in the G2-S phase, and there were fewer in the G0-G1 phase compared to encapsulation of hepatocytes alone. Intraperitoneal transplantation of coencapsulated hepatocytes with ADSCs not only increased the survival rate, but also improved liver functions in a rat model of ACLF. Conclusions Transplantation of coencapsulated hepatocytes and ADSCs might be a promising strategy for cell-based therapy of acute liver diseases.
Collapse
|
39
|
Pareja E, Cortés M, Gómez-Lechón MJ, Maupoey J, San Juan F, López R, Mir J. [Current status and future perspectives of hepatocyte transplantation]. Cir Esp 2013. [PMID: 24007980 DOI: 10.1016/j.cireng.2013.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The imbalance between the number of potential beneficiaries and available organs, originates the search for new therapeutic alternatives, such as Hepatocyte transplantation (HT).Even though this is a treatment option for these patients, the lack of unanimity of criteria regarding indications and technique, different cryopreservation protocols, as well as the different methodology to assess the response to this therapy, highlights the need of a Consensus Conference to standardize criteria and consider future strategies to improve the technique and optimize the results.Our aim is to review and update the current state of hepatocyte transplantation, emphasizing the future research attempting to solve the problems and improve the results of this treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Pareja
- Unidad de Cirugía Hepato-Bilio-Pancreática y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, España; Unidad de Terapia Celular Hepática, Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, España.
| | - Miriam Cortés
- Unidad de Cirugía Hepato-Bilio-Pancreática y Trasplante Hepático, King's College Hospital, Institute of Liver Study, Londres, Reino Unido
| | - M José Gómez-Lechón
- Unidad de Terapia Celular Hepática, Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, España; Unidad de Hepatología Experimental, Centro de Investigación, Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, España
| | - Javier Maupoey
- Unidad de Cirugía Hepato-Bilio-Pancreática y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, España
| | - Fernando San Juan
- Unidad de Cirugía Hepato-Bilio-Pancreática y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, España
| | - Rafael López
- Unidad de Cirugía Hepato-Bilio-Pancreática y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, España
| | - Jose Mir
- Unidad de Cirugía Hepato-Bilio-Pancreática y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, España; Unidad de Terapia Celular Hepática, Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, España
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pareja E, Cortés M, Gómez-Lechón MJ, Maupoey J, San Juan F, López R, Mir J. [Current status and future perspectives of hepatocyte transplantation]. Cir Esp 2013; 92:74-81. [PMID: 24007980 DOI: 10.1016/j.ciresp.2013.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2013] [Revised: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The imbalance between the number of potential beneficiaries and available organs, originates the search for new therapeutic alternatives, such as Hepatocyte transplantation (HT).Even though this is a treatment option for these patients, the lack of unanimity of criteria regarding indications and technique, different cryopreservation protocols, as well as the different methodology to assess the response to this therapy, highlights the need of a Consensus Conference to standardize criteria and consider future strategies to improve the technique and optimize the results.Our aim is to review and update the current state of hepatocyte transplantation, emphasizing the future research attempting to solve the problems and improve the results of this treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Pareja
- Unidad de Cirugía Hepato-Bilio-Pancreática y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, España; Unidad de Terapia Celular Hepática, Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, España.
| | - Miriam Cortés
- Unidad de Cirugía Hepato-Bilio-Pancreática y Trasplante Hepático, King's College Hospital, Institute of Liver Study, Londres, Reino Unido
| | - M José Gómez-Lechón
- Unidad de Terapia Celular Hepática, Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, España; Unidad de Hepatología Experimental, Centro de Investigación, Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, España
| | - Javier Maupoey
- Unidad de Cirugía Hepato-Bilio-Pancreática y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, España
| | - Fernando San Juan
- Unidad de Cirugía Hepato-Bilio-Pancreática y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, España
| | - Rafael López
- Unidad de Cirugía Hepato-Bilio-Pancreática y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, España
| | - Jose Mir
- Unidad de Cirugía Hepato-Bilio-Pancreática y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, España; Unidad de Terapia Celular Hepática, Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia, Valencia, España
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Alginate hydrogel as a potential alternative to hyaluronic acid as submucosal injection material. Dig Dis Sci 2013; 58:1491-6. [PMID: 23344967 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-012-2555-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sodium alginate is currently used in medical products, including drugs and cosmetic materials. It can also be used as a submucosal injection material due to its excellent water retention ability. Alginate with a high water retention ability is called alginate hydrogel (AH). The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of AH as a submucosal injection material. METHODS To investigate the optimal viscosity of AH as a submucosal injection material, we observed the changes in submucosal height from the initial submucosal height in the stomachs of six miniature pigs for each injection material tested (0.3 % AH, 0.5 % hyaluronic acid, glycerol). All submucosal heights were compared serially over time (3, 5, 10, 20, and 30 min). Both immediate and 1-week delayed tissue reactions were investigated endoscopically in the same living pigs. Histological analyses were performed after the animals had been sacrificed. RESULTS In a preliminary study, we determined that 0.3 % sodium alginate mixed with BaCl2 (400 μl) was the optimal viscosity of AH as an injection material. Our comparison of submucosal height changes over time showed that there was a significant decrease in submucosal height just 3 min following the injection of hyaluronic acid and glycerol, but that following the injection of AH a significant decrease in submucosal height was observed only after 10 min (p < 0.05). The histological analyses revealed that there were mild capillary dilations with congestion and mild fibrotic changes with some lymphocytic infiltration at the AH injection site. CONCLUSION Alginate hydrogel demonstrated long-lasting maintenance of submucosal elevation, safety, and cost-effectiveness in a pig model, which makes it a potential alternative to hyaluronic acid.
Collapse
|
42
|
Santos E, Larzabal L, Calvo A, Orive G, Pedraz JL, Hernández RM. Inactivation of encapsulated cells and their therapeutic effects by means of TGL triple-fusion reporter/biosafety gene. Biomaterials 2013; 34:1442-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.10.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
43
|
Acarregui A, Murua A, Pedraz JL, Orive G, Hernández RM. A Perspective on Bioactive Cell Microencapsulation. BioDrugs 2012; 26:283-301. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03261887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
44
|
Link TW, Arifin DR, Long CM, Walczak P, Muja N, Arepally A, Bulte JW. Use of Magnetocapsules for In Vivo Visualization and Enhanced Survival of Xenogeneic HepG2 Cell Transplants. CELL MEDICINE 2012; 4:77-84. [PMID: 23293747 PMCID: PMC3534966 DOI: 10.3727/215517912x653337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocyte transplantation is currently being considered as a new paradigm for treatment of fulminant liver failure. Xeno- and allotransplantation studies have shown considerable success but the long-term survival and immunorejection of engrafted cells needs to be further evaluated. Using novel alginate-protamine sulfate-alginate microcapsules, we have co-encapsulated luciferase-expressing HepG2 human hepatocytes with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to create magnetocapsules that are visible on MRI as discrete hypointensities. Magnetoencapsulated cells survive and secrete albumin for at least 5 weeks in vitro. When transplanted i.p. in immunocompetent mice, encapsulated hepatocytes survive for at least 4 weeks as determined using bioluminescent imaging, which is in stark contrast to naked, unencapsulated hepatocytes, that died within several days after transplantation. However, in vivo human albumin secretion did not follow the time course of magnetoencapsulated cell survival, with plasma levels returning to baseline values already at 1 week post-transplantation. The present results demonstrate that encapsulation can dramatically prolong survival of xenotransplanted hepatocytes, leading to sustained albumin secretion with a duration that may be long enough for use as a temporary therapeutic bridge to liver transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W. Link
- *Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- †Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- §Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dian R. Arifin
- *Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- §Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christopher M. Long
- †Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Piotr Walczak
- *Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- §Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Naser Muja
- *Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- §Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aravind Arepally
- ¶Division of Interventional Radiology, Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA
- #Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes, Baltimore, MD, USA
- **Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeff W.M. Bulte
- *Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- †Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- ‡Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- §Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Tatsumi K, Ohashi K, Teramura Y, Utoh R, Kanegae K, Watanabe N, Mukobata S, Nakayama M, Iwata H, Okano T. The non-invasive cell surface modification of hepatocytes with PEG-lipid derivatives. Biomaterials 2011; 33:821-8. [PMID: 22027599 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocyte-based therapies are promising regenerative approaches for liver diseases. In this study, we sought to develop a versatile method to modify the surface of hepatocytes by immobilizing synthetic polymers around the cells. The surface of murine primary hepatocytes was modified using poly(ethylene glycol)-phospholipids conjugate bearing FITC (FITC-PEG-lipid) in suspension. Hepatocyte function was assessed in vitro by examining cell viability, plating efficiency, protein production, metabolizing activity, hepatocyte-specific gene expressions, and cytochrome P450 induction. The engraftment of the PEG-lipid modified cells was studied following transplantation to both the liver or alternate ectopic sites. Among the types of phospholipids analyzed in our study, 1,2-dimyristoil -sn-glycerol-3-phosphatidylethanolamine (DMPE) was found to be uniformly anchored to the hepatocyte cell membrane (>99% of hepatocytes). Cell surface modification using FITC-PEG-DMPE did not result in any loss of in vitro functional parameters nor affect the engraftment potential in vivo by the modified cells. This modification was also successfully performed on dispersed hepatocytes and engineered hepatocyte sheets. In all, the ability to modify the surface of isolated hepatocytes with functional proteins, instead of FITC as shown in our proof-of-concept study, has the potential to move hepatocyte-based cell therapy another step forward as a viable therapeutic application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Tatsumi
- Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tokyo Women's Medical University. 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Leal-Egaña A, Braumann UD, Díaz-Cuenca A, Nowicki M, Bader A. Determination of pore size distribution at the cell-hydrogel interface. J Nanobiotechnology 2011; 9:24. [PMID: 21619638 PMCID: PMC3126761 DOI: 10.1186/1477-3155-9-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Analyses of the pore size distribution in 3D matrices such as the cell-hydrogel interface are very useful when studying changes and modifications produced as a result of cellular growth and proliferation within the matrix, as pore size distribution plays an important role in the signaling and microenvironment stimuli imparted to the cells. However, the majority of the methods for the assessment of the porosity in biomaterials are not suitable to give quantitative information about the textural properties of these nano-interfaces. Findings Here, we report a methodology for determining pore size distribution at the cell-hydrogel interface, and the depth of the matrix modified by cell growth by entrapped HepG2 cells in microcapsules made of 0.8% and 1.4% w/v alginate. The method is based on the estimation of the shortest distance between two points of the fibril-like network hydrogel structures using image analysis of TEM pictures. Values of pore size distribution determined using the presented method and those obtained by nitrogen physisorption measurements were compared, showing good agreement. A combination of these methodologies and a study of the cell-hydrogel interface at various cell culture times showed that after three days of culture, HepG2 cells growing in hydrogels composed of 0.8% w/v alginate had more coarse of pores at depths up to 40 nm inwards (a phenomenon most notable in the first 20 nm from the interface). This coarsening phenomenon was weakly observed in the case of cells cultured in hydrogels composed of 1.4% w/v alginate. Conclusions The method purposed in this paper allows us to obtain information about the radial deformation of the hydrogel matrix due to cell growth, and the consequent modification of the pore size distribution pattern surrounding the cells, which are extremely important for a wide spectrum of biotechnological, pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Leal-Egaña
- Department of Cell Technology and Applied Stem Cell Biology, Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre, University of Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|