Evaluation of a bioartificial liver based on a nonwoven fabric bioreactor with porcine hepatocytes in pigs

Background/Aims We developed a bioartifical liver (BAL) based on a direct hemoperfusion typed nonwoven fabric bioreactor containing porcine hepatocytes. In this study, the efficacy of our BAL was evaluated with a pig fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) model. Methods FHF was induced with intravenous administration of D-galactosamine (1.3 g/kg) in each pig. Twelve hours post D-galactosamine injection, fifteen pigs were divided into: a BAL group (n=5), in which pigs received the BAL treatment with 1.0 to 1.3×109 hepatocytes for 6 h, a sham BAL group (n=5), in which pigs received the BAL treatment without hepatocytes, and a FHF group (n=5), in which pigs only received intensive care. Parameters related to liver function and animal survival up to 168 h were determined. Results In the BAL group, blood ammonia and plasma lactate levels were lower, and serum glucose levels and Fischer index were higher than those in the other two groups. Survival time of pigs in the BAL group was significantly prolonged as compared with the sham BAL and the FHF group. Conclusions The BAL based on a nonwoven fabric bioreactor containing porcine hepatocytes appears to be effective in the treatment of FHF in pigs.