脂肪由来幹細胞の栄養因子を介した肝傷害に対しての保護効果

Background In this study we investigated whether adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) had any beneficial protective effects on liver injury and regeneration in vivo. Moreover, we examined whether ADSCs protect hepatocytes by trophic molecules. Materials and Methods We transplanted ADSCs into mice after 70% hepatectomy (Hx) and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), and observed liver injury and regeneration after reperfusion. We co-cultured hepatocytes with ADSCs using a Transwell System for seven days and evaluated the viabilities of hepatocytes and the cytokine levels in the culture medium. Bevacizumab was used in order to confirm the effect of VEGF on hepatocytes. Results ADSCs improved serum liver function at six hours after reperfusion in a non-lethal model and stimulated liver regeneration at 24 hours after reperfusion in a lethal model. VEGF levels in the culture medium increased by co-culture ADSCs with hepatocytes. ADSCs improved the viabilities of hepatocytes. The inhibited production of VEGF by bevacizumab did not affect the viability of hepatocytes. Conclusions ADSCs were able to ameliorate liver injury and stimulate liver regeneration in subsequent Hx and I/R injured model mice. Furthermore, hepatocytes were protected by the trophic molecules of the ADSCs. However, such protective effects might be provided by mechanisms other than VEGF signaling