Liver regeneration after transplantation of microencapsulated hepatecytes in rats with acute liver failure / 中华临床感染病杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate liver regeneration after transplantation of microencapsulated hepatocytes in rats with acute liver failure (ALF). Methods ALF rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactosamine (D-GalN). After 18 h, rats were randomized into control group ( Ⅰ ), free hepatoeyte transplantation group ( Ⅱ ) and the microencapsulated hepatecyte transplantation group (Ⅲ). Six rats for each group were randomly selected and sacrificed at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 120, 168 and 240 h after ALF induced and blood samples from inferior vena cava were collected. Liver functions were tested in blood samples, and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Ten-day survival rates of 3 groups were 26.7% (4/15), 40.0% (6/15) and 73. 3% (11/15), respectively (x2 = 9. 349,P = 0. 009). Survival rate of group Ⅲ was significantly higher than that of group Ⅰ and Ⅱ. Levels of ALT and AST in each group increased significantly at 6 h after ALF induced, and peaked between 48 ～ 72 h. Levels of ALT and AST in group Ⅱ and Ⅲ declined from 36 h, which was more significant in group Ⅲ. Tbil levels in group Ⅰ gradually increased after ALF induced and peaked at 72 h. Tbil in group Ⅱ and Ⅲ declined from 48 h, which was more markedly in group Ⅲ. In normal rats, the expression of PCNA protein was almost negative, but it was strongly expressed in ALF rats and peaked at 48 h. The number of positive cells in group Ⅲ was higher than that in group Ⅰ and Ⅱ, and the differences were of statistical signifieance. Conclusion The transplantation of microencapsulated hepatocytes can promote the regeneration of liver, and it can improve the liver function and prognosis in rats with ALF.