Effects of xenogeneic adipose-derived stem cell transplantation on acute-on-chronic liver failure.

Background: Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are particularly attractive in future clinical applications of stem cell-based therapy for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). This study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic potential of ADSCs on ACLF.

Methods: ADSCs isolated from porcine fat tissue were expanded and labeled with BrdU. Rabbit models of ACLF were created by administration of D-Gal following CCl4-induced cirrhosis. One day after administration of D-Gal, rabbits of the ACLF/ADSCs group (n=15) were received ADSCs transplantation, while those in the ACLF/saline group (n=15) were treated with the same volume of saline. Biochemical parameters and histomorphological scoring were evaluated; the distribution and characteristics of transplanted ADSCs as well as the pathology of the liver were examined.

Results: ADSCs transplantation improved the survival rate and the liver function of rabbits with ACLF. Biochemical parameters of the ACLF/ADSCs group were improved compared with those of the ACLF/saline group, and histomorphological scoring of the ACLF/ADSCs group was significantly lower than that of the ACLF/saline group. ADSCs were identified in the periportal region of the liver after cell transplantation.

Conclusion: Xenogenic ADSCs have therapeutic efficacy in the ACLF rabbit model.