Tracking iron oxide labelled mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a rat model of hepatic cirrhosis.

Homing and tumor attenuation potential of BM-MSCs labelled with superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) in a rat model of hepatic cirrhosis was evaluated. Rat BM-MSCs were derived, characterized and labelled with SPIONs (200 nm; 25 mg Fe/ml). Hepatic cirrhosis was induced in Wistar rats (n=30; 10/group) with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4; 0.

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma in rats: Detection of cell homing and tumor mass by magnetic resonance imaging using iron oxide nanoparticles.

Background: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are reported to improve hepatic fibrosis, and may impact the signaling mechanisms leading to the induction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in animal models of liver cirrhosis.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to clarify and explain the therapeutic role played by MSCs in hepatic cirrhosis and HCC by tracking them using nanoparticles.

Material And Methods: Liver cirrhosis and HCC were established in rats with the use of carbon tetrachloride and diethylnitrosamine injection.