A New High Throughput Screening Platform for Cell Encapsulation in Alginate Hydrogel Shows Improved Hepatocyte Functions by Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Co-encapsulation.

Hepatocyte transplantation has emerged as an alternative to liver transplant for liver disease. Hepatocytes encapsulated in alginate microbeads have been proposed for the treatment of acute liver failure, as they are able to provide hepatic functions while the liver regenerates. Furthermore, they do not require immunosuppression, as the alginate protects the hepatocytes from the recipient's immune cells.

Hepatocyte transplantation and advancements in alternative cell sources for liver-based regenerative medicine.

Human hepatocyte transplantation has been actively perused as an alternative to liver replacement for acute liver failure and liver-based metabolic defects. Current challenges in this field include a limited cell source, reduced cell viability following cryopreservation and poor engraftment of cells into the recipient liver with consequent limited life span. As a result, alternative stem cell sources such as pluripotent stem cells, fibroblasts, hepatic progenitor cells, amniotic epithelial cells and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) can be used to generate induced hepatocyte like cells (HLC) with each technique exhibiting advantages and disadvantages.

Cryopreserved neonatal hepatocytes may be a source for transplantation: Evaluation of functionality toward clinical use.

Neonatal livers are a potential source of good-quality hepatocytes for clinical transplantation. We compared viability and function of neonatal hepatocytes (NHs) and adult hepatocytes (AHs) and report their clinical use both intraportally and in alginate microbeads. Following isolation from donor livers, hepatocyte function was assessed using albumin, alpha-1-antitrypsin, and factor VII.

Instant Blood-Mediated Inflammatory Reaction in Hepatocyte Transplantation: Current Status and Future Perspectives.

Hepatocyte transplantation (HT) is emerging as a promising alternative to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in patients with certain liver-based metabolic disease and acute liver failure. Hepatocytes are generally infused into the portal venous system, from which they migrate into the liver cell plates of the native organ. One of the major hurdles to the sustained success of this therapy is early cell loss, with up to 70% of hepatocytes lost immediately following infusion.

Atrial septal aneurysm.

As we begin to see more echocardiograms in the medical records that are available to us, we are faced with assessing some findings that leave us with questions about their significance. One such finding is the atrial septal aneurysm (ASA).

Chiari I malformation.

As MRI's are becoming more popular for evaluating the brain and cranial vault, we are beginning to see the diagnosis of Chiari I malformation being made rather frequently. This case study describes Chiari I malformation of the brainstem and its implications for mortality.

Osteopetrosis.

This case study describes the fairly rare entity of osteopetrosis and points out how a seemingly insignificant "anemia" can, on thorough investigation, be found to be a very significant disease with a poor prognosis.

Kawasaki disease.

Kawasaki disease is currently the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in the United States and Japan. The case of an 18-year-old insurance applicant is used to review the pathogenesis, complications, treatment and prognostic implications of this disorder.