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Cryopreserved human hepatocytes from cell bank: in vitro function and clinical application
U Baccarani1, A Sanna, A Cariani
1Department of Surgery & Transplantation, University of Udine, Udine, Italy. umberto.baccarani@uniud.it
Transplantation Proceedings
|April 6, 2005
Summary
Cryopreserved human hepatocytes (CHH) from non-transplantable livers are viable and functional. These banked CHH were successfully used in a bioartificial liver (BAL) device for patients with liver failure.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Bioengineering
- Transplantation
Background:
- Donor livers unsuitable for transplantation can be a source of human hepatocytes.
- Cryopreservation allows for the banking of hepatocytes for future use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the in vitro function of cryopreserved human hepatocytes (CHH).
- To define the clinical application potential of CHH in a bioartificial liver (BAL) device.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and cryopreservation of human hepatocytes from 103 non-transplantable donor livers over 24 months.
- Analysis of hepatocyte yield, viability, diazepam metabolism, and albumin production.
- Utilization of CHH in a BAL device for patients with fulminant hepatic failure.
Main Results:
- Average cell yield of 7 million hepatocytes/gram liver with 80% initial viability; 50% viability post-thaw.
- Cryopreserved hepatocytes demonstrated comparable diazepam metabolism and albumin synthesis to fresh cells.
- BAL treatments resulted in bilirubin and ammonia reduction; one patient bridged to transplant, another showed spontaneous recovery.
Conclusions:
- Viable and functionally active human hepatocytes can be recovered from donor livers unsuitable for transplantation.
- Banked CHH are suitable for clinical application in a bioartificial liver (BAL) device.
- The BAL device using CHH shows promise for temporary liver support in patients awaiting transplantation or with acute liver failure.