Effect of Transplanted Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Liver Functions in Experimental Liver Fibrosis in Rats

Liver failure is a potentially life-threatening condition for which organ transplantation is the only definitive therapy. The idea of stem cells suggests the probability of renewable sources of new tissues to treat many kinds of diseases, conditions, and disabilities. The present study aims to investigate the effect of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on liver functions and degree of fibrosis in experimentally induced liver fibrosis in rats. 35 adult male albino rats were classified into 2 groups: Normal control group (10 rats) and CCl4- treated group (25 rats): Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4. To prove incidence of fibrosis, 5 animals livers was excised after 4 weeks for histopathology to confirm the occurrence of fibrosis. The remaining 20 animals were further subdivided into: Fibrosis non treated group (10 rats): Received CCl4 for 8wks, MSCs-treated group (10 rats): Received CCl4 for 8wks with single intravenous dose of MSCs at 4th week. MSCs were isolated from Wharton’s jelly. Serum ALT, AST, bilirubin and albumin were measured. MDA, SOD, and TGF β 1 measured in liver tissue homogenate and histopathological and immumohistochemical studies for liver were assessed. Treatment with MSCs resulted in significant improvement in liver functions (ALT, AST, BIL and ALB) associated with significant reduction in tissue MD Awith elevation in tissue SOD, Moreover, hepatic transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF- β 1) was significantly down regulated in MSCs treated group. Histopathologicalex-amination of liver tissue matchedthe biochemical results. In Conclusion: The present results spotlight on thegood influence of the beneficial impact of MSCs in the treatment of experimental liver fibrosis and pave the way for the therapeutic application of MSCs on human liver fibrosis.