The phenotypic characteristic of liver-derived stem cells from adult human deceased donor liver.

Liver transplantation is the only effective treatment for end-stage liver disease. Because of the limited donor availability, attention has been focused on the possibility to restore liver mass and function through cell transplantation. Stem cells are a promising source for liver repopulation after cell transplantation, but whether or not the adult liver contains hepatic stem cells is highly controversial. Several studies have suggested the presence of stem cells in the adult normal human liver. However, a population with stem cell properties has not yet been isolated. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize progenitor cells in normal adult human liver. We isolated and expanded human liver stem cells (HLSCs) from a donated liver not suitable for liver transplantation or characterizing them by fluorescence-activated cell sorter, polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence assay. HLSCs expressed the mesenchymal stem cell markers CD29, CD73, CD44, CD90, CD105, and CD166 but not the hematopoietic stem cell markers CD34, CD45, and CD117. HLSCs were also positive for vimentin and nestin, a stem cell marker. The absence of staining for cytokeratin-19, CD117, and CD34 indicated that HLSCs were not oval stem cells. In addition, HLSCs expressed CD26, and in a small percentage of cells, cytokeratin-8 and cytokeratin-18, indicating a partial commitment to hepatic cells. We concluded that HLSCs expressed several mesenchymal but not hematopoietic stem cell markers as well as CD26 and CK18, indicating a partial commitment to hepatic cells.

Differentiation and major histocompatibility complex antigen expression in human liver-derived stem cells.

Stem cells are a promising source for liver repopulation after cell transplantation, but whether the adult liver contains hepatic stem cells is controversial. The purpose of this study was to characterize the properties and expression profile of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens on the surface of human-derived stem cells. Human liver-derived stem cells (HLSC7) were isolated from the nontumorous tissue of a patient who underwent a resection of an hepatic hemangioendothelioma. We characterized HLSC7 using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter, polymerase chain reactions, and immunofluorescence assays. HLSC7 expressed mesenchymal but not hematopoietic stem cell markers. HLSC7 underwent osteogenic, chondrogenic, and hepatogenic differentiation when cultured in appropriate differentiation media. However, HLSC7 did not differentiate into adipocytes. In addition, HLSC7 did not express MHC class II (HLA-DP, -DQ, and -DR) antigens. However, they did express MHC class I antigens. These results suggest that human liver-derived stem cells express MHC class I antigens and thus may be rejected on transplantation. Therefore, in addition to studies on stem cell differentiation, one must overcome immunologic barriers for successful clinical application of this therapy.

Live cell-imaging perfusion culture system of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells to mimic stem cell engraftment in liver.

Hepatocyte and various hepatic stem cell transplantations have been studied as alternative therapies to orthotopic liver transplantation for liver injury. The engraftment of transplanted cells into the parenchyma requires transmigration through sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs), the only cellular barrier. In this study, we constructed a SEC-imaging perfusion culture system that mimics sinusoids with respect to hemorheologic properties. SECs were successfully maintained for 24 hours. Human liver stem cells (HLSCs) were used as a model of transplanted cells for in vitro engraftment to SECs under perfusion culture conditions. Conditions of high shear stress perfusion with 0.34 dyne/cm(2) significantly reduced cell adhesion in contrast to lower shear stress conditions of 0.1 and 0.03 dyne/cm(2). Among the biologic perfusion fluids, namely, fetal bovine serum (FBS), pig plasma, and 5% human albumin solution, HLSCs showed significantly greater attachment to SECs when perfused with FBS, which is well known to contain abundant amounts of adhesion molecules. This biomimetic SEC perfusion culture system may provide a useful tool to study engraftment mechanisms and to evaluate the effects of various enhancers as an alternative to animal models.

In vitro evaluation of migratory capacity of human liver stem cells influenced by soluble factors.

Although several studies have addressed the engraftment of stem cells into the liver, the exact mechanisms in vivo remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of soluble factors on cell migration using purified, expanded human liver stem cells (HLSCs) obtained from a pediatric liver resection. Using a in vitro transwell migration assay, we evaluated the migratory capacity of HLSCs under the influence of the cytokines tumor necross factor- [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-6, and interferon (IFN)-γ or the growth factors vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], basic fibroblast growth factor [bFGF], and hepatocyte growth factor [HGF], which are known to be highly secreted during liver injury. We also evaluated the migratory capacity indirectly influenced by cryopreserved human hepatocytes. The migration across the transwell membrane was promoted by VEGF, bFGF, TNF-α, IFN-γ, or hepatocytes. The cryopreserved human hepatocytes especially induced significant migration. These results suggested the presence of unidentified soluble factors from hepatocytes. This experiment described a reliable system for quantitative migration studies to broaden our understanding of the directional nature of cell migration.

Population genetic structure of wild and hatchery black rockfish Sebastes inermis in Korea, assessed using cross-species microsatellite markers.

The population structure of the black rockfish, Sebastes inermis (Sebastidae), was estimated using 10 microsatellite loci developed for S. schlegeli on samples of 174 individuals collected from three wild and three hatchery populations in Korea. Reduced genetic variation was detected in hatchery strains [overall number of alleles (N(A)) = 8.07; allelic richness (A(R)) = 7.37; observed heterozygosity (H(O)) = 0.641] compared with the wild samples (overall N(A) = 8.43; A(R) = 7.83; H(O) = 0.670), but the difference was not significant. Genetic differentiation among the populations was significant (overall F(ST) = 0.0237, P < 0.05). Pairwise F(ST) tests, neighbor-joining tree, and principal component analyses showed significant genetic heterogeneity among the hatchery strains and between wild and hatchery strains, but not among the wild populations, indicating high levels of gene flow along the southern coast of Korea, even though the black rockfish is a benthic, non-migratory marine species. Genetic differentiation among the hatchery strains could reflect genetic drift due to intensive breeding practices. Thus, in the interests of optimal resource management, genetic variation should be monitored and inbreeding controlled within stocks in commercial breeding programs. Information on genetic population structure based on cross-species microsatellite markers can aid in the proper management of S. inermis populations.

Population structure of the olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) in Korea inferred from microsatellite marker analysis.

The population structure of olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus was estimated using nine polymorphic microsatellite (MS) loci in 459 individuals collected from eight populations, including five wild and three hatchery populations in Korea. Genetic variation in hatchery (mean number of alleles per locus, A = 10.2-12.1; allelic richness, A(R) = 9.3-10.1; observed heterozygosity, H(O) = 0.766-0.805) and wild (mean number of alleles per locus, A = 11.8-19.6; allelic richness, A(R) = 10.9-16.1; observed heterozygosity, H(O) = 0.820-0.888) samples did not differ significantly, suggesting a sufficient level of genetic variation in these well-managed hatchery populations, which have not lost a substantial amount of genetic diversity. Neighbour-joining tree and principal component analyses showed that genetic separation between eastern and pooled western and southern wild populations in Korea was probably influenced by restricted gene flow between regional populations due to the barrier effects of sea currents. The pooled western and southern populations are genetically close, perhaps because larval dispersal may depend on warm currents. One wild population (sample from Wando) was genetically divergent from the main distribution, but it was genetically close to hatchery populations, indicating that the genetic composition of the studied populations may be affected by hydrographic conditions and the release of fish stocks. The estimated genetic population structure and potential applications of MS markers may aid in the proper management of P. olivaceus populations.

High prevalence of autoantibodies in hepatitis A infection: the impact on laboratory profiles.

AIMS: In the absence of IgM antibodies against hepatitis A virus (HAV), HAV infections can be regarded as autoimmune hepatitis when they show positive autoantibodies by indirect immunofluorescence and lack other viral markers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, titres and impact of autoantibodies in Korean patients with HAV infection. METHODS: The study involved a retrospective review of the electronic medical records of 73 patients with HAV at Konkuk University Hospital from August 2005 to September 2008. The presence and pattern of anti-nuclear antibody, anti-smooth muscle antibody, anti-mitochondrial antibody and anti-liver/kidney microsomal antibody were assessed by indirect immunofluorescence on Hep-2 cells and mouse/kidney sections. RESULTS: Of the 73 patients with hepatitis A, 65 (89.0%) showed positive indirect immunofluorescence tests. Of note, most of the positive tests (95.5%) showed a cytoplasmic pattern with filamentous staining of cytoplasmic fibres. There was no significant difference between groups in age or sex. In patients positive for autoantibodies, alanine aminotransferase and leucocyte count were significantly higher, while the increase in globulin was not statistically significant. In terms of titres, globulin was significantly higher in patients with > or =1:160 titres than in those with < or =1:80 titres (mean (SD) 3.4 (0.5) versus 2.8 (0.4) g/dl, respectively; p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated a high prevalence of anticytoplasmic autoantibodies in patients with acute hepatitis A. These data would be useful to aid interpretation of indirect immunofluorescence testing in patients with acute hepatitis, especially in areas with a high prevalence of HAV.

Dramatically accelerated growth and extraordinary gigantism of transgenic mud loach Misgurnus mizolepis.

Transgenic mud loaches (Misgurnus mizolepis), in which the entire transgene originated from the same species, have been generated by microinjecting the mud loach growth hormone (mlGH) gene fused to the mud loach beta-actin promoter. Out of 4,100 eggs injected, 7.5% fish derived from the injected eggs showed dramatically accelerated growth, with a maximum of 35-fold faster growth than their non-transgenic siblings. Many fast-growing transgenic individuals showed extraordinary gigantism: their body weight and total length (largest fish attained to 413 g and 41.5 cm) were larger and longer than even those of 12-year-old normal broodstock (maximum size reached to 89 g and 28 cm). Of 46 transgenic founders tested, 30 individuals transmitted the transgene to next generation with a wide range of germ-line transmission frequencies ranging from 2% to 33%. The growth performance of the subsequent generation (F1) was also dramatically accelerated up to 35-fold, although the levels of enhanced growth were variable among transgenic lines. Three transgenic germ-lines up to F4 were established, showing the expected Mendelian inheritance of the transgene. Expression of GH mRNA in many tissues was detected by RT-PCR analyses. The time required to attain marketable size (10 g) in these transgenic lines was only 30-50 days after fertilization, while at least 6 months in non-transgenic fish. Besides growth enhancement, significantly improved feed-conversion efficiency up to 1.9-fold was also observed.

A prospective randomized trial comparing intravenous 5-fluorouracil and oral doxifluridine as postoperative adjuvant treatment for advanced rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative adjuvant chemoradiation treatment after curative resection for rectal cancer was needed to reduce recurrence and improve a survival rate. Intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin has been a mainstay of chemotherapy, but oral 5-FU derivatives have been shown a comparable antitumor activity. Intravenous 5-FU and oral doxifluridine were compared with respect to therapeutic efficacy, drug toxicity, and quality of life. METHODS: A total of 166 patients were randomized to receive intravenous 5-FU (450 mg/m2/day) or oral doxifluridine (900 mg/m2/day) in combination with leucovorin (20 mg/m2/day) for depth of invasion, nodal status, metastasis (TNM) stage II and III patients between October 1997 and February 1999. Consecutive daily intravenous infusion for 5 days per every month for a total of 12 cycles (IV arm, n = 74) and oral doxifluridine daily for 3 weeks and 1 week rest for a total of 12 cycles (oral arm, n = 92). Drug toxicity and quality of life were observed. Quality of life was scored according to 22 daily activity items (good, > or =71; fair, < 70; poor, < 52). RESULTS: There was no difference of sex between two groups (IV arm: male/female = 45/29, oral arm: male/female = 59/33). The mean age was 52.3 vs. 59.5, respectively. There was also no difference of TNM stage distribution and type of operation between groups (P>.05). Mean numbers of chemotherapy cycles were 6.5+/-3.7 (IV arm) vs. 7.2+/-4.3 (oral arm), respectively. The rate of recurrence was 9/74 (12.1%) in the IV arm and 6/92 (6.5 %) in the oral arm, respectively (P = .937). Local recurrence was 2/74 (stage III; 2.7%) in the IV arm and 1/92 (stage II; 1.1%) in the oral arm, respectively. Systemic recurrence was 7/74 (stage III; 9.4%) in the IV arm and 5/92 (stage III; 5.4%) in the oral arm, respectively. The most common site of systemic recurrence was the liver. Toxicity profile was as follows: leukopenia (30/74 vs. 17/92) and alopecia (21/74 vs. 13/92) were statistically more common in the IV arm. Diarrhea was more common in the oral arm. Poor quality of life score between two groups was observed at 1 month (23.9% vs. 13%) and 2 months (15.8% vs. 3.7%) after chemotherapy. Good quality of life score was observed at 1 month (19.5% vs. 49%) and 2 months (47% vs. 72%), respectively (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oral doxifluridine with leucovorin shows a comparable therapeutic efficacy to intravenous 5-FU regimen with high quality of life as postoperative adjuvant therapy. The oral regimen also can be safely given with appropriate toxicity and tolerability.

Genomic organization and sequence of the mud loach (Misgurnus mizolepis) growth hormone gene: a comparative analysis of teleost growth hormone genes.

The mud loach (Misgurnus mizolepis) growth hormone (GH) gene was cloned and a comparative analysis on its genomic organization was performed. Based on Southern analysis using various kinds of restriction endonucleases, the GH gene proved to exist as a single-copy gene in the mud loach. The complete nucleotide sequences of a 5.1 kb SacI/EcoRI genomic fragment containing the mud loach GH gene and its 5' flanking sequences as well as a mud loach GH cDNA obtained by rapid amplification of a reverse transcriptase-PCR have been determined. The GH gene spans 2.0 kb from the start codon to the polyadenylation signal, and contains five exons and four introns similar to those of carps and mammals. The evolutionary relation of the mud loach GH gene, inferred by comparative analyses of gene structures and sequences in each exon and intron of representative teleost GH genes, reflects the major phylogenetic groupings of teleost.