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Shibu MA, Huang CY, Ding DC. Comparison of two hepatocyte differentiation protocols in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells: In vitro study. Tissue Cell 2023; 83:102153. [PMID: 37413859 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (HUCMSCs) are an emerging source of cell therapy due to their self-renew and differentiation ability. They can differentiate into three germ layers, including the potential to generate hepatocytes. This study determined the transplantation efficiency and suitability of HUCMSCs-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) for their therapeutic application for liver diseases. This study aims to formulate ideal conditions to induce HUCMSCs into the hepatic lineage and investigate the efficiency of the differentiated HLCs based on their expression characteristics and capacity to integrate into the damaged liver of CCl4-challenged mice. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and Activin A, Wnt3a were found to optimally promote the endodermal expansion of HUCMSCs, which showed phenomenal expression of hepatic markers upon differentiation in the presence of oncostatin M and dexamethasone. HUCMSCs expressed MSC-related surface markers and could undergo tri-lineage differentiations. Two hepatogenic differentiation protocols (differentiated hepatocyte protocol 1 [DHC1]: 32 days and DHC2: 15 days) were experimented with. The proliferation rate was faster in DHC2 than in DHC1 on day 7 of differentiation. The migration capability was the same in both DHC1 and DHC2. Hepatic markers like CK18, CK19, ALB, and AFP were upregulated. The mRNA levels of albumin, α1AT, αFP, CK18, TDO2, CYP3A4, CYP7A1, HNF4A, CEBPA, PPARA, and PAH were even higher in the HUCMSCs-derived HCLs than in the primary hepatocytes. Western blot confirmed HNF3B and CK18 protein expression in a step-wise manner differentiated from HUCMSCs. The metabolic function of differentiated hepatocytes was evident by increasing PAS staining and urea production. Pre-treating HUCMSCs with a hepatic differentiation medium containing HGF can drive their differentiation towards endodermal and hepatic lineages, enabling efficient integration into the damaged liver. This approach represents a potential alternative protocol for cell-based therapy that could enhance the integration potential of HUCMSC-derived HLCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chih-Yang Huang
- Cardiovascular and Mitochondrial Related Disease Research Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 970, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; Department of Biological Science and Technology, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan; Center of General Education, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien 970, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Dah-Ching Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Science, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan.
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2
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Khanam A, Saleeb PG, Kottilil S. Pathophysiology and Treatment Options for Hepatic Fibrosis: Can It Be Completely Cured? Cells 2021; 10:cells10051097. [PMID: 34064375 PMCID: PMC8147843 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a dynamic process that occurs as a wound healing response against liver injury. During fibrosis, crosstalk between parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells, activation of different immune cells and signaling pathways, as well as a release of several inflammatory mediators take place, resulting in inflammation. Excessive inflammation drives hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, which then encounters various morphological and functional changes before transforming into proliferative and extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing myofibroblasts. Finally, enormous ECM accumulation interferes with hepatic function and leads to liver failure. To overcome this condition, several therapeutic approaches have been developed to inhibit inflammatory responses, HSC proliferation and activation. Preclinical studies also suggest several targets for the development of anti-fibrotic therapies; however, very few advanced to clinical trials. The pathophysiology of hepatic fibrosis is extremely complex and requires comprehensive understanding to identify effective therapeutic targets; therefore, in this review, we focus on the various cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with the pathophysiology of hepatic fibrosis and discuss potential strategies to control or reverse the fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshi Khanam
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Paul G. Saleeb
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Shyam Kottilil
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-410-706-4872
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Pu W, Xu D, Zhang C, Zhao Z, Yang M. Rapid generation of functional hepatocyte-like cells from human minor salivary gland-derived stem cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 522:805-810. [PMID: 31791589 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.11.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Liver failure is one of the major risk factors for death worldwide, and the only effective liver transplantation is currently very limited. Adult stem cells can be induced into hepatocytes in vitro and implanted into the body to repair damaged liver. However, most of the induction time in vitro is relatively long, which is not suitable for practical application. Therefore, search for new seed cells that can rapidly differentiate into functional hepatocytes is crucial for the clinical application of cell transplantation therapy. In this study, we explored a three-step protocol to rapidly induce human minor salivary gland mesenchymal stem cells (hMSG-MSCs) into hepatocytes in vitro, and finally obtained hepatocyte-like cells within 6 days. After a series of relevant detection from gene, protein and functional levels, we confirmed that the finally induced cells were mature hepatocyte-like cells with certain hepatocyte functions to some extent. Besides, we injected the preliminary induced cells into mice with acute liver injury, showing a good repair effect on the damaged liver. All these results indicate that the hMSG-MSCs have potential to be a kind of seed cells for rapid hepatic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Pu
- Department No.14, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100144, China
| | - Duojiao Xu
- Department of Stomatology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhenmin Zhao
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Mingyong Yang
- Department No.14, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100144, China.
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4
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Hosseini V, Maroufi NF, Saghati S, Asadi N, Darabi M, Ahmad SNS, Hosseinkhani H, Rahbarghazi R. Current progress in hepatic tissue regeneration by tissue engineering. J Transl Med 2019; 17:383. [PMID: 31752920 PMCID: PMC6873477 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-02137-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver, as a vital organ, is responsible for a wide range of biological functions to maintain homeostasis and any type of damages to hepatic tissue contributes to disease progression and death. Viral infection, trauma, carcinoma, alcohol misuse and inborn errors of metabolism are common causes of liver diseases are a severe known reason for leading to end-stage liver disease or liver failure. In either way, liver transplantation is the only treatment option which is, however, hampered by the increasing scarcity of organ donor. Over the past years, considerable efforts have been directed toward liver regeneration aiming at developing new approaches and methodologies to enhance the transplantation process. These approaches include producing decellularized scaffolds from the liver organ, 3D bio-printing system, and nano-based 3D scaffolds to simulate the native liver microenvironment. The application of small molecules and micro-RNAs and genetic manipulation in favor of hepatic differentiation of distinct stem cells could also be exploited. All of these strategies will help to facilitate the application of stem cells in human medicine. This article reviews the most recent strategies to generate a high amount of mature hepatocyte-like cells and updates current knowledge on liver regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Hosseini
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Imam Reza St., Golgasht St., Tabriz, 5166614756, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nazila Fathi Maroufi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sepideh Saghati
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nahideh Asadi
- Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Masoud Darabi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Imam Reza St., Golgasht St., Tabriz, 5166614756, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saeed Nazari Soltan Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Reza Rahbarghazi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Asumda FZ, Hatzistergos KE, Dykxhoorn DM, Jakubski S, Edwards J, Thomas E, Schiff ER. Differentiation of hepatocyte-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells using small molecules. Differentiation 2018; 101:16-24. [PMID: 29626713 PMCID: PMC6055513 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Revised: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A variety of approaches have been developed for the derivation of hepatocyte-like cells from pluripotent stem cells. Currently, most of these strategies employ step-wise differentiation approaches with recombinant growth-factors or small-molecule analogs to recapitulate developmental signaling pathways. Here, we tested the efficacy of a small-molecule based differentiation protocol for the generation of hepatocyte-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells. Quantitative gene-expression, immunohistochemical, and western blot analyses for SOX17, FOXA2, CXCR4, HNF4A, AFP, indicated the stage-specific differentiation into definitive endoderm, hepatoblast and hepatocyte-like derivatives. Furthermore, hepatocyte-like cells displayed morphological and functional features characteristic of primary hepatocytes, as indicated by the production of ALB (albumin) and α-1-antitrypsin (A1AT), as well as glycogen storage capacity by periodic acid-Schiff staining. Together, these data support that the small-molecule based hepatic differentiation protocol is a simple, reproducible, and inexpensive method to efficiently drive the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells towards a hepatocyte-like phenotype, for downstream pharmacogenomic and regenerative medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizal Z Asumda
- Schiff Center for Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States.
| | - Konstantinos E Hatzistergos
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Derek M Dykxhoorn
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Silvia Jakubski
- Sylvester Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Jasmine Edwards
- Sylvester Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Emmanuel Thomas
- Sylvester Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Eugene R Schiff
- Schiff Center for Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
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Chang SH, Huang HH, Kang PL, Wu YC, Chang MH, Kuo SM. In vitro and in vivo study of the application of volvox spheres to co-culture vehicles in liver tissue engineering. Acta Biomater 2017; 63:261-273. [PMID: 28941653 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Volvox sphere is a biomimetic concept of a natural Volvox, wherein a large outer sphere contains smaller inner spheres, which can encapsulate cells and provide a double-layer three-dimensional environment for culturing cells. This study simultaneously encapsulated rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and AML12 hepatocytes in volvox spheres and extensively evaluated the effects of various culturing modes on cell functions and fates. The results showed that compared with a static flask culture, MSCs encapsulated in volvox spheres differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells with a 2-fold increase in albumin (ALB) expression and a 2.5-fold increase in cytokeratin 18 expression in a dynamic bioreactor. Moreover, the restorative effects of volvox spheres encapsulating cells on retrorsine-exposed CCl4-induced liver injuries in rats were evaluated. The data presented significant reductions in AST and ALT levels after the implantation of volvox spheres encapsulating both MSCs and AML12 hepatocytes in vivo. In contrast to the negative control group, histopathological analysis demonstrated liver repair and formation of the new liver tissue in groups implanted with volvox spheres containing cells. These results demonstrate that liver cells implanted with volvox spheres encapsulating both MSCs and AML12 hepatocytes promote liver repair and liver tissue regeneration in liver failure caused by necrotizing agents such as retrorsine and CCl4. Hence, volvox spheres encapsulating MSCs and liver cells can be a promising and clinically effective therapy for liver injury. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE In this study, we used a volvox sphere, which is a unique design that mimics the natural Volvox, that consists of a large outer sphere that contains smaller inner spheres, which provide a three-dimensional environment to culture cells. The purpose of this study is to co-culture mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and AML12 liver cells in volvox spheres and evaluate two different culture methods, dynamic bioreactor and static culture flask,on the cultured cells. In addition, we aimed to evaluate the restorative effects of volvox spheres encapsulating MSCs and/or AML12 liver cells on rats with retrorsine-exposed CCl4-induced liver injuries. The results showed that MSCs encapsulated in volvox spheres differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells with a 2-fold increase in albumin expression and a 2.5-fold increase in cytokeratin 18 expression ina dynamic bioreactor. Moreover, the data presented significant reductions in AST and ALT levels after the implantation of volvox spheres encapsulating both MSCs and AML12 hepatocytes in vivo. In contrast to the negative control group, histopathological analysis demonstrated liver repair and formation of new liver tissue in groups implanted with volvox spheres containing cells. These results demonstrate that liver cells implanted with volvox spheres encapsulating both MSCs and AML12 hepatocytes promote liver repair and liver tissue regeneration in liver failure caused by necrotizing agents such as retrorsine and CCl4. Hence, volvox spheres encapsulating MSCs and liver cells can be a promising and clinically effective therapy for liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siou Han Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Han Hsiang Huang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
| | - Pei Leun Kang
- Cardiac Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Yu Chian Wu
- Kaohsiung Armed Force General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Taiwan; National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Huang Chang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
| | - Shyh Ming Kuo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
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7
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Yao P. Stem cell based therapies for liver diseases: Current status and perspectives. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2017; 25:17-22. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v25.i1.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical applications of stem cells have attracted wide attention for years. Stem cells could be used to treat many diseases, such as nervous diseases, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, liver diseases, and cancer. There have been many reports about the applications of stem cells in liver diseases, although there are still many problems. Stem cell based therapies will emerge as a promising option for the treatment of liver diseases.
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Chang YC, Liu FP, Ma X, Li MM, Li R, Li CW, Shi CX, He JS, Li Z, Lin YX, Zhao CW, Han Q, Zhao YL, Wang DN, Liu JL. Glutathione S-transferase A1 – a sensitive marker of alcoholic injury on primary hepatocytes. Hum Exp Toxicol 2016; 36:386-394. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327116650013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The primary hepatocytes were extracted and purified from mice through improved Seglen two-step perfusion method. Ethanol-induced injury hepatocytes model in mice was used to investigate the importance of glutathione S-transferase A1 (GSTA1) in hepatocytes injury by comparison with other indicators, such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, malondialdehyde, glutathione and superoxide dismutase. The release of GSTA1 was demonstrated to be an earlier and more sensitive indicator of hepatocytes injury than other indicators. Significant increases in GSTA1 were detected at 2 h after ethanol exposure, while other indicators were undetected at this time. A markedly difference in other indicators were observed at 6 and 8 h. The release of GSTA1 was significantly increased at a concentration of 50 mmol/L ethanol, the lowest exposure concentration than that in other indicators. In contrast, other indicators release was not statistically significant until concentrations of 75 mmol/L and 100 mmol/L ethanol. These results suggest that GSTA1 can be detected at the early stage of low concentration ethanol exposure and that GSTA1 is more sensitive and reliable marker in ethanol-induced hepatic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y-C Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - F-P Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - X Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - M-M Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - R Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - C-W Li
- Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - C-X Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - J-S He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Z Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Y-X Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - C-W Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Q Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Y-L Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - D-N Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - J-L Liu
- Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
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