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Function of a new internal bioartificial liver: an in vitro study
Qingxiang Xu1, Decai Yu, Yudong Qiu
1Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Hepatobiliary Institute, Medical College of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Peoples' Republic of China. xqx008@hotmail.com
Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science
|September 6, 2003
Summary
A novel internal bioartificial liver using porcine hepatocytes demonstrated effective detoxification and metabolic functions. This system shows promise for supporting patients with liver failure while awaiting transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Liver failure poses a significant clinical challenge, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies.
- Bioartificial liver devices offer a potential bridge therapy for patients awaiting liver transplantation.
- Porcine hepatocytes are being investigated for their suitability in bioartificial liver systems due to availability and metabolic capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a new internal bioartificial liver device constructed with porcine hepatocytes.
- To assess the device's capacity for detoxification and other essential metabolic functions.
- To determine the viability and functional performance of porcine hepatocytes within the device over a 7-day period.
Main Methods:
- Construction of an internal bioartificial liver by perfusing porcine hepatocytes on microcarriers into a polysulfon hollow fiber.
- Experimental groups included control, microcarrier only, hollow fiber only, and the complete internal bioartificial liver.
- Monitoring of hepatocyte viability, liver enzyme leakage (ALT, LD), urea production, diazepam transformation, protein synthesis, and glucose-6-phosphatase activity.
Main Results:
- Porcine hepatocyte viability exceeded 80% in the internal bioartificial liver group throughout the 7-day culture.
- Significantly lower levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) were observed in the bioartificial liver group compared to controls.
- The internal bioartificial liver group exhibited significantly enhanced urea production, diazepam transformation, protein synthesis, and glucose-6-phosphatase activity.
Conclusions:
- The developed internal bioartificial liver effectively maintains porcine hepatocyte viability and function.
- The device demonstrates significant detoxification and metabolic capabilities, including urea synthesis and drug metabolism.
- This porcine hepatocyte-based internal bioartificial liver shows potential as a therapeutic option for liver failure patients.