Effects of xenogeneic adipose-derived stem cell transplantation on acute-on-chronic liver failure

BackgroundAdipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are particularly attractive in future clinical applications of stem cell-based therapy for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). This study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic potential of ADSCs on ACLF.MethodsADSCs isolated from porcine fat tissue were expanded and labeled with BrdU. Rabbit models of ACLF were created by administration of D-Gal following CCl4-induced cirrhosis. One day after administration of D-Gal, rabbits of the ACLF/ADSCs group (n=15) were received ADSCs transplantation, while those in the ACLF/saline group (n=15) were treated with the same volume of saline. Biochemical parameters and histomorphological scoring were evaluated; the distribution and characteristics of transplanted ADSCs as well as the pathology of the liver were examined.ResultsADSCs transplantation improved the survival rate and the liver function of rabbits with ACLF. Biochemical parameters of the ACLF/ADSCs group were improved compared with those of the ACLF/saline group, and histomorphological scoring of the ACLF/ADSCs group was significantly lower than that of the ACLF/saline group. ADSCs were identified in the periportal region of the liver after cell transplantation.ConclusionXenogenic ADSCs have therapeutic efficacy in the ACLF rabbit model.