Hepatocyte function during experimental use of a bioartificial liver

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Bioartificial Liver Systems
• Cell Cryopreservation

Background:

• Bioartificial liver (BAL) systems aim to replicate clinical liver support.
• Hepatocyte function is crucial for BAL efficacy.
• Cryopreservation of hepatocytes is a potential method for cell storage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the functional performance of fresh versus cryopreserved porcine hepatocytes within an experimental BAL system.
• To evaluate hepatocyte viability, metabolic functions, and oxygen consumption under toxic plasma conditions.

Main Methods:

• An experimental BAL system was utilized, comprising a pump, plasma reservoir, oxygenator, and hollow fiber module.
• The system was loaded with either fresh or cryopreserved isolated porcine hepatocytes (5 x 10^9 cells).
• The BAL was perfused with toxic plasma from pigs with ischemic liver failure for 6 hours, with various parameters monitored.

Main Results:

• Fresh hepatocytes exhibited significantly higher viability (P < .05) and greater oxygen consumption compared to cryopreserved cells.
• Both cell types reduced ammonia and increased urea, AST, and LDH levels; however, total bilirubin increased only with cryopreserved cells.
• Fresh hepatocytes produced significantly more MEGX (a marker of drug metabolism) after lidocaine administration.

Conclusions:

• Hepatocytes within the BAL system preserved key metabolic functions when perfused with homologous toxic plasma.
• Fresh hepatocytes demonstrated superior performance over cryopreserved cells in terms of viability and metabolic capacity.
• These findings suggest fresh hepatocytes are preferable for optimal function in this BAL configuration.