Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to differentiate into liver cells in serum of part-resection liver, but it was hardly feasible in clinical use. Our studies revealed that MSCs could differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells in autologous serum after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy of the liver tumor. Rabbits with liver tumor subsequently treated with RFA therapy. Serum was collected from those rabbits before RFA therapy and 72 hours after RFA therapy. MSCs were isolated from each rabbit’s bone marrow and cultured in DMEM medium containing the following different supplements: 30% fetal calf serum (FCS group), 30% rabbit autologous serum (AS group) or 30% autologous serum after RFA treatment of the liver tumor (ASRF group), observed by electron microscopy, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence. Seven days later, most of the spindle-shaped MSCs in the ASRF group transformed into polygon or round-shaped cells resembling hepatocytes, and the percentage in S/G2/M phase was higher than in the FCS or AS groups. Fourteen days later, slender microvilli, cell-cell junction structures and cholangiole emerged in the cells belonging to the ASRF group, the expression of albumin and CK18 was observed only in the differentiated cells from the ASRF group. These changes were not observed in the FCS group or the AS group. This study may provide a potential cell source and culture process for clinical application in liver injury treatment.
Highlights
Expanded bone marrow-derived Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess the potential to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells [1]-[3] and can be used in cell-based therapy for various liver diseases [4]
In the present study using rabbits, we investigated the potential of bone MSCs to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells under the direct influence of autologous serum obtained after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy of liver tumor
After seven days in culture in the 30% autologous serum obtained after radiofrequency ablation (ASRF group), most of the spindle-shaped MSCs were rounded and resembled hepatocyte-like cells, whereas such a change was not observed in the cells cultured in 30% fetal calf serum (FCS group) or in 30% rabbit autologous serum (AS group) (Figure 1(a))
Summary
Expanded bone marrow-derived MSCs possess the potential to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells [1]-[3] and can be used in cell-based therapy for various liver diseases [4]. In vitro expansion of MSCs has mainly been achieved in the presence of 30% FCS. Intravenous infusion of such cells has been considered relatively safe. Unfavorable immune responses toward FCS have been reported, [5] and these responses are possibly due to contamination from proteins in the serum. Other possible risks of FCS include viral or bacterial infections or prion infection [6]. For these reasons, alternative culture protocols that replace FCS with autologous serum have been suggested
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
