Vitamin D 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D_(3) reduces lipid accumulation in hepatocytes by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization

BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),which is a significant liver condition associated with metabolic syndrome,is the leading cause of liver diseases globally and its prevalence is on the rise in most nations.The protective impact of vitamin D on NAFLD and its specific mechanism remains unclear.AIM To examine the role of vitamin D in NAFLD and how vitamin D affects the polarization of hepatic macrophages in NAFLD through the vitamin D receptor(VDR)-peroxisome proliferator activated receptor(PPAR)γpathway.METHODS Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were provided with a high-fat diet to trigger NAFLD model and administered 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D[1,25(OH)_(2)D_(3)]supplementation.1,25(OH)_(2)D_(3) was given to RAW264.7 macrophages that had been treated with lipid,and a co-culture with AML12 hepatocytes was set up.Lipid accumulation,lipid metabolism enzymes,M1/M2 phenotype markers,proinflammatory cytokines and VDR-PPARγpathway were determined.RESULTS Supplementation with 1,25(OH)_(2)D_(3) relieved hepatic steatosis and decreased the proinflammatory M1 polarization of hepatic macrophages in NAFLD.Administration of 1,25(OH)_(2)D_(3) suppressed the proinflammatory M1 polarization of macrophages induced by fatty acids,thereby directly relieving lipid accumulation and metabolism in hepatocytes.The VDR-PPARγpathway had a notable impact on reversing lipid-induced proinflammatory M1 polarization of macrophages regulated by the administration of 1,25(OH)_(2)D_(3).CONCLUSION Supplementation with 1,25(OH)_(2)D_(3) improved hepatic steatosis and lipid metabolism in NAFLD,linked to its capacity to reverse the proinflammatory M1 polarization of hepatic macrophages,partially by regulating the VDRPPARγpathway.The involvement of 1,25(OH)_(2)D_(3) in inhibiting fatty-acid-induced proinflammatory M1 polarization of macrophages played a direct role in relieving lipid accumulation and metabolism in hepatocytes.

Protective Actions of Blumea Flavanones on Primary Cultured Hepatocytes and Liver Subcellular Organelle against Lipid Peroxidation

To search for the protective actions of blumea flavanones (BFs) on hepatocytes and hepatic subcellular organelle against lipid peroxidation, monkey′s hepatocytes were isolated and cultured with or without blumea flavanones, then damaged by FeSO 4 cysteine or CCl 4. The lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde production) and alteration in hepatocyte membrane (leakage of GPT) were estimated. Hepatic subcellular organelles were also isolated and incubated with or without blumea flavanones, then injured by FeSO 4 ascorbate. The generation of malondialdehyde(MDA) was measured. It was found that BFs 10 and 100 μmol·L 1 inhibited the MDA generation and GPT (glutamic pyruvic transaminase) leakage out of hepatocytes that were induced by CCl 4 or FeSO 4 cysteine. BFs could prevent lipid peroxidation initiated by FeSO 4 ascorbate in subcellular organelle suspension. Among BFs, BF 2 possessed the strongest activity. Conclusion: Blumea flavanones possess antioxidation activities that protect monkey′s hepatocytes and hepatic subcellular organelle against injuries induced by FeSO4 or CCl 4.

Protective effects of polydatin against CCl_4-induced injury to primarily cultured rat hepatocytes

AIM To investigate the protective effects of polydatin (PD) against injury to primarily cultured rat hepatocytes induced by CCl 4. METHODS Rat hepatocytes were separated by methods of liver infusion in vivo and cultured medium (7 5×10 5 cells/mL). Two mL or 0 2mL was added into 24 well or 96 well plates respectively. Twenty four hours after cell preculture, PD at concentrations of 10 -7 mol/L-10 -4 mol/L was added into each plate. At the same time injury to hepatocytes was induced by adding 10mmol/L CCl 4. Then, 0 1mL or 1mL culture solution was removed from the 96 well or 24 well plates at 6h , 12h , 24h and 48h after CCl 14 intoxication respectively for the determination of GPT, GSH and MDA. At 48h , the survivability of rat hepatocytes was assayed by the MTT colormetric method. RESULTS After CCl 4 challenge, the release of GPT and the formation of MDA in rat hepatocytes markedly increased and maintained at a high level in 48h , whereas PD with different concentrations could markedly inhibit this elevation with 10 -5 mol/L PD having the strongest effects and inhibiting rate was over 50%. PD could also improve the decreased content of GSH caused by CCl 4 in accordance with the doses used. CCl 4 evidently decreased the hepatocyte survivability from 91 0%±7 9% to 35 4%±3 8%. On the other hand, PD at 10 -7 mol/L-10 -4 mol/L could reverse this change and improve the cell survival rates to 56 1%±5 2%, 65 8%±5 0%, 88 7%±6 8% and 75 2%±7 3%, respectively. CONCLUSION PD at 10 -7 mol/L-10 -4 mol/L could protect primarily cultured rat hepatocytes against CCl 4 induced injury.

Reversible immortalization of human hepatocytes mediated by retroviral transfer and site-specific recombination

AIM: To establish a method for the reversible immortalization of human hepatocytes, which may offer a good and safe source of hepatocytes for practical applications.

Effects of Fluoride on Lipid Peroxidation, DNA Damage and Apoptosis in Human Embryo Hepatocytes

Objective To investigate the effects of fluoride on lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and apoptosis in human embryo hepatocyte L-02 cells. Methods Lipid peroxide (LPO) level, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, DNA damage, apoptosis, and cell cycle analysis were measured after in vitro cultured L-02 cells were exposed to sodium fluoride at different doses (40 μg/mL, 80 μg/mL, and 160 μg/mL) for 24 hours. Results Fluoride caused an increase of LPO levels and a decrease of GSH content in L-02 cells. There appeared to be an obvious dose-effect relationship between the fluoride concentration and the observed changes. Fluoride also caused DNA damage and apoptosis and increased the cell number in S phase of cell cycle in the cells tested. There was a statistically significant difference in DNA damage and apoptosis when comparing the high dose of fluoride treated cells with the low dose of fluoride treated cells. Conclusion Fluoride can cause lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and apoptosis in the L-02 cell experimental model and there is a significant positive correlation between fluoride concentration and these pathological changes.

Hepatocyte growth factor promotes retinal pigment epithelium cell activity through MET/AKT signaling pathway

AIM:To explore the effects of hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)on retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)cell behaviors.METHODS:The human adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line-19(ARPE-19)were treated by HGF or mesenchymalepithelial transition factor(MET)inhibitor SU11274 in vitro.Cell viability was detected by a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay.Cell proliferation and motility was detected by a bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay and a wound healing assay,respectively.The expression levels of MET,phosphorylated MET,protein kinase B(AKT),and phosphorylated AKT proteins were determined by Western blot assay.The MET and phosphorylated MET proteins were also determined by immunofluorescence assay.RESULTS:HGF increased ARPE-19 cells’viability,proliferation and migration,and induced an increase of phosphorylated MET and phosphorylated AKT proteins.SU11274 significantly reduced cell viability,proliferation,and migration and decreased the expression of MET and AKT proteins.SU11274 suppressed HGF-induced increase of viability,proliferation,and migration in ARPE-19 cells.Additionally,SU11274 also blocked HGF-induced phosphorylation of MET and AKT proteins.CONCLUSION:HGF enhances cellular viability,proliferation,and migration in RPE cells through the MET/AKT signaling pathway,whereas this enhancement is suppressed by the MET inhibitor SU11274.HGF-induced MET/AKT signaling might be a vital contributor of RPE cells survival.

Effects of Fuzhenghuayu decoction on collagen synthesis of cultured hepatic stellate cells,hepatocytes and fibroblasts in rats

AIM To study the mechanism of Fuzhenghuayu (FZHY) decoction on anti liver fibrosis. METHODS FZHY 10% decoction sera was incubated with rat normal subcultured hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and fibrotic primarily cultured HSC, normal and fibrotic hepatocytes and subcultured skin fibroblasts separately. Cell intracellular and extracellular collagen synthesis rates were measured by the method of Proline impulse and collagenase digestion. RESULTS For primarily cultured HSC and hepatocytes, both of intracellular and extracellular collagen synthesis rates decreased in the drug sera group. For the normal subcultured HSC and primarily cultured hepatocytes, the extracellular collagen secretion was decreased obviously by the drug sera, and intracellular collagen synthesis rates were inhibited to some extents. For fibroblasts, both intracellular and extracellular collagen synthesis rates were inhibited some what, but no significant differences were found. CONCLUSION The mechanism of FZHY decoction on anti liver fibrosis may be associated with inhibition of liver collagen production.

Assessing the anti-estrogenic activity of sodium pentachlorophenol in primary cultures of juvenile goldfish (Carassius auratus) hepatocytes using vitellogenin as a biomarker

Both pentachlorophenol and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin （TCDD） had been studied widely because of their probable anti-estrogenic activity. Sodium pentachlorophenol （PCP-Na）, as a industrial product used in many fields, usually contains a trace of TCDD. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-estrogenic effect of PCP-Na in juvenile goldfish （Gurassius auratus） hepatocyte cultures using vitellogenin （VTG） as the biomarker. The ID50 of PCP-Na was investigated and then a series of concentrations （0.001 0.5 μg/ml） of PCP-Na were evaluated to estimate the anti-estrogenic activity. Results showed that PCP-Na was cytotoxic for hepatocytes even at very low concentration 〈1.21 μg/ml, and it could not induce VTG at any concentrations tested. Since it failed to stimulate VTG production, the possibility of its anti-estrogenic effect was tested, and a well-known anti-estrogenic compound-tamoxifen was used as positive control. PCP-Na caused a reduction in VTG synthesis in juvenile goldfish （Carassius auratus） hepatocytes at concentrations 〉0.1μg/ml when co-exposure with 1μg/ml 17β-estradiol （E2）, making its anti-estrogenic activity approximately as potent as tamoxifen. Our results indicate that PCP-Na can act as negative modulators of estrogenic function in juvenile goldfish （Carassius auratus） hepatocytes.

Human hepatocytes loaded in 3D bioprinting generate mini-liver

BACKGROUND: Because of an increasing discrepancy be-tween the number of potential liver graft recipients and the number of organs available, scientists are trying to create artiifcial liver to mimic normal liver function and therefore, to support the patient’s liver when in dysfunction. 3D printing technique meets this purpose. The present study was to test the feasibility of 3D hydrogel scaffolds for liver engineering. METHODS: We fabricated 3D hydrogel scaffolds with a bioprinter. The biocompatibility of 3D hydrogel scaffolds was tested. Sixty nude mice were randomly divided into four groups, with 15 mice in each group: control, hydrogel, hydro-gel with L02 (cell line HL-7702), and hydrogel with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Cells were cultured and deposited in scaffolds which were subsequently engrafted into livers after partial hepatectomy and radiation-induced liver damage (RILD). The engrafted tissues were examined after two weeks. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino-transferase (AST), albumin, total bilirubin, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, glutathione S-transferase (a-GST), and UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT-2) were compared among the groups. He-matoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry of cKit and cytokeratin 18 (CK18) of engrafted tissues were evalu-ated. The survival time of the mice was also compared among the four groups. RESULTS: 3D hydrogel scaffolds did not impact the viability of cells. The levels of ALT, AST, albumin, total bilirubin, CY-P1A2, CYP2C9, a-GST and UGT-2 were signiifcantly improved in mice engrafted with 3D scaffold loaded with L02 compared with those in control and scaffold only (P<0.05). HE staining showed clear liver tissue and immunohistochemistry of cKit&nbsp;and CK18 were positive in the engrafted tissue. Mice treated with 3D scaffold+L02 cells had longer survival time compared with those in control and scaffold only (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: 3D scaffold has the potential of recreating liver tissue and partial liver functions and can be used in the reconstruction of liver tissues.

Primary porcine hepatocytes with portal vein serum cultured on microcarriers or in spheroidal aggregates

AIM To develop a culture mode providingdurable biomaterials with high yields andactivities used in bioartificial liver.METHODS Hepatocytes were isolated from awhole pig liver by Seglen’s method of orthotopicperfusion with collagenase.In culture onmicrocarriers,primary porcine hepatocyteswere inoculated at a concentration of 5×10~7/mLinto the static culture systems containing 2 g/LCytodex-3,then supplemented with 100 mL/Lfetal calf serum(FCS)or 100 mL/L porcineportal vein serum(PPVS)respectively.Inspheroidal aggregate culture hepatocytes wereinoculated into 100 mL siliconized flasks at aconcentration of 5.0×10~6/mL.RESULTS In culture on microcarriershepatocytes tended to aggregate on Cytodex-3obviously after being inoculated.Typical multi-cellular aggregated spheroids could be found inthe two systems 24 h-48 h after hepatocyteswere cultured.The morphological charact-eristics and synthetic functions were maintainedfor 5 wk in FCS culture system and 8 wk in PPVSculture system.In spheroidal aggregate cultureabout 80%-90% isolated hepatocytes becameaggregated spheroids 24h after cultured insuspension and mean diameter of the spheroidswas 100μm.The relationship among thehepatocytes resembled that in the liver in vivo.Synthetic functions of albumin and urea of the spheroids were twice those of hepatocytescultured on monolayers.CONCLUSION As high-yields and high-activitymodes of culture on microcarriers or inspheroidal aggregate culture with portal veinserum are promising to provide biomaterials forbioartificial liver(BAL)efficiently.

Prostaglandin E1 protects hepatocytes against endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis via protein kinase A-dependent induction of glucose-regulated protein 78 expression

AIM To investigate the protective effect of prostaglandin E1(PGE1) against endoplasmic reticulum(ER) stressinduced hepatocyte apoptosis, and to explore its underlying mechanisms.METHODS Thapsigargin(TG) was used to induce ER stress in the human hepatic cell line L02 and hepatocarcinomaderived cell line Hep G2. To evaluate the effects of PGE1 on TG-induced apoptosis, PGE1 was used an hour prior to TG treatment. Activation of unfolded protein response signaling pathways were detected by western blotting and quantitative real-time RTPCR. Apoptotic index and cell viability of L02 cells and Hep G2 cells were determined with flow cytometry and MTS [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2 H-tetrazolium] assay. RESULTS Pretreatment with 1 μmol/L PGE1 protected against TG-induced apoptosis in both L02 cells and Hep G2 cells. PGE1 enhanced the TG-induced expression of C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP), glucose-regulated protein(GRP) 78 and spliced X box-binding protein 1 at 6 h. However, it attenuated their expressions after 24 h. PGE1 alone induced protein and m RNA expressions of GRP78; PGE1 also induced protein expression of DNA damage-inducible gene 34 and inhibited the expressions of phospho-PKR-like ER kinase, phosphoeukaryotic initiation factor 2α and CHOP. Treatment with protein kinase A(PKA)-inhibitor H89 or KT5720 blocked PGE1-induced up-regulation of GRP78. Further, the cytoprotective effect of PGE1 on hepatocytes was not observed after blockade of GRP78 expression by H89 or small interfering RNA specifically targeted against human GRP78.CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that PGE1 protects against ER stress-induced hepatocyte apoptosis via PKA pathwaydependent induction of GRP78 expression.

How hepatitis C virus invades hepatocytes: The mystery of viral entry

Hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection is a global health problem,with an estimated 170 million people being chronically infected.HCV cell entry is a complex multi-step process,involving several cellular factors that trigger virus uptake into the hepatocytes.The high-density lipoprotein receptor scavenger receptor class B type I,tetraspanin CD81,tight junction protein claudin-1,and occludin are the main receptors that mediate the initial step of HCV infection.In addition,the virus uses cell receptor tyrosine kinases as entry regulators,such as epidermal growth factor receptor and ephrin receptor A2.This review summarizes the current understanding about how cell surface molecules are involved in HCV attachment,internalization,and membrane fusion,and how host cell kinases regulate virus entry.The advances of the potential antiviral agents targeting this process are introduced.

Isolation and primary culture of rat hepatocytes

Objective: To find out an optimal condition for isola-tion and primary culture of hepatocytes.Method: Rat hepatocytes were isolated by a two-stepcollagenase perfusion, and cultured in hepatozyme-SFM. The reduction of MTT to formazan salt was ex-amined. Supernatant medium was collected for analy-sis of alanine aminotransferase（ALT） and ureagene-sis.Results: The two-step collagenase perfusion yielded39±12×10;cells/g liver tissue with a viability of88%±2%. Fine morphology and stable urea synthesisfor one week could be achieved when hepatocytes werecultured in Hepatozyme-SFM.Conclusion: High yield of hepatocytes can be isolatedwith two-step collagenese perfusion. Hepatozyme-SFM is suitable for sustained growth of hepatocytes.

Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into hepatocytes in vitro

AIM: To investigate the mechanism and regulation of differentiation from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into hepatocytes and to find a new source of celltypes for therapies of hepatic diseases. METHODS: MSCs were isolated by combining gradient density centrifugation with plastic adherence. The cells were cultured in osteogenic or adipogenic differentiation medium and determined by histochemical staining. MSCs were plated in plastic culture flasks that were not coated with components of extracellular matrix (ECM). When MSCs reached 70% confluence, they were cultured in low glucose Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 10 mL/L fetal bovine serum, 20 ng/mL hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and 10 ng/mL fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4). The medium was changed every 3 d and stored for albumin, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and urea assay. Glycogen store of hepatocytes was determined by periodic acid-Schiff staining.RESULTS: By combining gradient density centrifugation with plastic adherence, we isolated a homogeneous population of cells from rat bone marrow and differentiated them into osteocytes and adipocytes. When MSCs were cultured withFGF-4 and HGF, approximately 56.6% of cells became smallround and epithelioid on d 24 by morphology. Compared with the control, levels of AFP increased significantly from d 12 to 15.5±1.4 μg/L (t = 2.31, P＜0.05) in MSCs cultured with FGF-4and HGF, and were higher (46.2±1.5 μg/L)ond 21 (t = 41.926, P＜0.01), then decreased to 24.8±2.2 μg/L on d 24 (t = 10.345, P＜0.01). Albumin increased significantly on d 21 (t= 3.325, P＜0.01) to 1.4±0.2 μg/mL,and to 2.1±0.7 μg/mL on d 24 (t= 3.646, P＜0.01). Urea(2.3±0.4 mmol/L) was first detected on d 21 (t = 6.739, P＜0.01), and continued to increase to 2.6±0.9 mmol/Lon d 24 (t= 4.753, P＜0.01). Glycogen storage was first seen on d 21.CONCLUSION: The method combining gradient density centrifugation with plastic adherence can isolate MSCs. Rat MSCs may be differentiated into hepatocytes by FGF-4 and HGF. Cytokines may play a more important role in differentiation from rat MSCs into hepatocytes.

Advances in cell sources of hepatocytes for bioartificial liver

BACKGROUND: Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the most effective therapy for liver failure. However, OLT is severely limited by the shortage of liver donors. Bioartificial liver (BAL) shows great potential as an alternative therapy for liver failure In recent years, progress has been made in BAL regarding genetically engineered cell lines, immortalized human hepatocytes, methods for preserving the phenotype of primary human hepatocytes, and other functional hepatocytes derived from stem cells. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of PubMed and ISI Web of Science was performed to identify relevant studies in English language literature using the Key words such as liver failure bioartificial liver, hepatocyte, stem cells, differentiation, and immortalization. More than 200 articles related to the cell sources of hepatocyte in BAL were systematically reviewed. RESULTS: Methods for preserving the phenotype of primary human hepatocytes have been successfully developed. Many genetically engineered cell lines and immortalized human hepatocytes have also been established. Among these cell lines the incorporation of BAL with GS-HepG2 cells or alginate encapsulated HepG2 cells could prolong the survival time and improve pathophysiological parameters in an animal model of liver failure. The cBAL111 cells were evaluated using the AMC-BAL bioreactor, which could eliminate ammonia and lidocaine, and produce albumin. Importantly, BAL loading with HepLi-4 cells could significantly improve the blood biochemical parameters, and prolong the survival time in pigs with liver failure. Other functional hepatocytes differentiated from stem cells, such as human liver progenitor cells, have been successfully achieved. CONCLUSIONS: Aside from genetically modified liver cell lines and immortalized human hepatocytes, other functionalhepatocytes derived from stem cells show great potential as cell sources for BAL. BAL with safe and effective liver cells may be achieved for clinical liver failure in the near future.

Induction of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Human Hepatocytes to Protect Them From Ethanol-induced Cytotoxicity

Background/Aim We investigated the relationship between ethanol exposure and heme oxygenase (HO-1) in human hepatocytes in order to ascertain if induction of HO-1 can prevent ethanol induced cellular damage. Methods Dose-dependent (25-100 mmol/L) and time-dependent (0-24 h) ethanol exposure were used in the present study. HO-1 mRNA and protein expression were detected by PT-PCR and Western blot respectively. HO-1 activity was indicated by bilirubin and Fe2+ formation. Cytotoxicity was investigated by means of lactate dehydrogenate (LDH) and aspartate transaminase (AST) level in culture supernatants, as well as the intracellular formation of malondialdehyde (MDA), cellular glutathione (GSH) status and CYP 2E1 activity. Results We first demonstrated a dose-dependent response between ethanol exposure and HO-1 mRNA and protein expression in human hepatocytes. We further observed a time-dependent increase of HO-1 mRNA expression using 100 mmol/L ethanol starting 30 minutes after ethanol exposure, reaching its maximum between 3 h and 9 h. Being similar to what had been demonstrated with the mRNA level, increased protein expression started at 6 h after ethanol exposure, and kept continuous elevated over 18 h. In addition, we found that ethanol exposure to hepatocytes markedly increased HO-1 enzyme activity in a time-dependent manner measured as bilirubin and Fe2+ formation in human hepatocytes. Our results clearly showed that ethanol exposure caused a significant increase of LDH, AST, and MDA levels, while the antioxidant GSH was time-dependently reduced. Furthermore, we demonstrated that pre-administration of cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) induced HO-1 in human hepatocytes, and prevented an increase of MDA and a decrease of GSH. These effects could be partially reversed by zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), an antagonist of HO-1 induction. Conclusion HO-1 expression in cells or organs could lead to new strategies for better prevention and treatment of ethanol-induced oxidative damage in human liver.

Fibroblast growth factor-4 and hepatocyte growth factor induce differentiation of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocytes

AIM： To investigate the differentiation of human umbilical cord blood （HUCB）-derived mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） into hepatocytes by induction of fibroblast growth factor-4 （FGF-4） and hepatocyte growth factor （HGF）, and to find a new source of cell types for therapies of hepatic diseases. METHODS： MSCs were isolated by combining gradient density centrifugation with plastic adherence. When HUCB-derived MSCs reached 70% confluence, they were cultured in Iscove modified Dulbecco medium （IMDM） supplemented with 10 mL/L FBS, 20 ng/mL HGF and 10 ng/mL FGF-4. The medium was changed every 4 d and stored for albumin, alpha-fetoprotein （AFP） and urea assay. Expression of CK-18 was detected by immunocytochemistry. Glycogen storage in hepatocytes was determined by PAS staining. RESULTS： By combining gradient density centrifugation with plastic adherence, we could isolate MSCs from 25.6% of human umbilical cord blood. When MSCs were cultured with FGF-4 and HGF, approximately 63.6% of cells became small, round and epithelioid on d 28 by morphology. Compared with the control, the level of AFP increased significantly from d 12 to 18.20：1=1.16 μg/L （t = 2.884, P〈0.05） in MSCs cultured with FGF-4 and HGF, and was higher （54.28±3.11 μg/L） on d 28 （t = 13.493, P〈0.01）. Albumin increased significantly on d 16 （t = 6.68, P〈0.01） to 1.02±0.15 μg/mL, and to 3.63±0.30 μg/mL on d 28 （t = 11.748, P〈0.01）. Urea （4.72±1.03 μmol/L） was detected on d 20 （t = 4.272, P〈0.01）, and continued to increase to 10.28±1.06 μmol/L on d 28 （t = 9.276, P〈0.01）. Cells expressed CK-18 on d 16. Glycogen storage was observed on d 24. CONCLUSION： HUCB-derived MSCs can differentiate into hepatocytes by induction of F-GF-4 and HGF. HUCB derived MSCs are a new source of cell types for cell transplantation therapy of hepatic diseases.

Microvesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells inhibit acute respiratory distress syndrome-related pulmonary fibrosis in mouse partly through hepatocyte growth factor

BACKGROUND Pulmonary fibrosis is one of the main reasons for the high mortality rate among acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)patients.Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived microvesicles(MSC-MVs)have been shown to exert antifibrotic effects in lung diseases.AIM To investigate the effects and mechanisms of MSC-MVs on pulmonary fibrosis in ARDS mouse models.METHODS MSC-MVs with low hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)expression(siHGF-MSC-MVs)were obtained via lentivirus transfection and used to establish the ARDS pulmonary fibrosis mouse model.Following intubation,respiratory mechanics-related indicators were measured via an experimental small animal lung function tester.Homing of MSC-MVs in lung tissues was investigated by near-infrared live imaging.Immunohistochemical,western blotting,ELISA and other methods were used to detect expression of pulmonary fibrosis-related proteins and to compare effects on pulmonary fibrosis and fibrosis-related indicators.RESULTS The MSC-MVs gradually migrated and homed to damaged lung tissues in the ARDS model mice.Treatment with MSC-MVs significantly reduced lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis scores.However,low expression of HGF(siHGF-MSC-MVs)significantly inhibited the effects of MSC-MVs(P<0.05).Compared with the ARDS pulmonary fibrosis group,the MSC-MVs group exhibited suppressed expression of type I collagen antigen,type III collagen antigen,and the proteins transforming growth factor-βandα-smooth muscle actin,whereas the siHGF-MVs group exhibited significantly increased expression of these proteins.In addition,pulmonary compliance and the pressure of oxygen/oxygen inhalation ratio were significantly lower in the MSC-MVs group,and the effects of the MSC-MVs were significantly inhibited by low HGF expression(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION MSC-MVs improved lung ventilation functions and inhibited pulmonary fibrosis in ARDS mice partly via HGF mRNA transfer.

Study on liver targeting and hepatocytes permeable valaciclovir polybutylcyanoacrylate nanoparticles *

AIM To prepare valaciclovir polybutylcyan_ oacrylate nanoparticles (VACV PBCA NP) with liver targeting and hepatocyte permeable characteristics. METHODS Emulsion polymerization method was employed to prepare VACV PBCA NP. The formula and preparation conditions were optimized by using the uniform design. The organ distribution of the intravenously injected VACV PBCA NP and VACV in animal was determined using HPLC. The hepatocytes permeability of VACV PBCA NP was demonstrated by cell uptake experiment in vitro . RESULTS The drug loading and the drug embedding ratio of VACV PBCA NP were 11 20% and 84 85% respectively, with an average diameter of 104 77nm ± 11 78nm . The releasing characteristics in vitro fitted the two phase kinetics. 74 49% of the drug was found to localize in the liver 15min after the administration of VACV PBCA NP in the mice. Compared with VACV, VACV PBCA NP showed distinct characteristic of sustained release in vivo and the drug entering hepatocytes were also greatly increased. CONCLUSION VACV PBCA NP has the char_ acteristic of liver targeting and can increase the permeability of VACV to hepatocytes.