Amniotic membrane application reduces liver fibrosis in a bile duct ligation rat model

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Hepatology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Biliary fibrosis and cirrhosis are common outcomes of chronic liver diseases, with liver transplantation as the sole effective treatment.
• Human amniotic membrane (AM) exhibits antiscarring, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, along with immunomodulatory features of its derived cells.
• Previous studies demonstrated AM's efficacy in reducing lung fibrosis and cardiac injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic potential of human AM in mitigating biliary fibrosis.
• To evaluate the effects of AM application on liver fibrosis progression induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in a rat model.

Main Methods:

• Biliary fibrosis was induced in rats via the bile duct ligation (BDL) procedure.
• A fragment of human AM was applied to the liver surface post-BDL.
• Fibrosis severity was assessed using the Knodell scoring system and digital image morphometric analysis for ductular reaction, myofibroblasts, and collagen deposition.

Main Results:

• AM-treated rats exhibited significantly reduced liver fibrosis compared to control BDL rats.
• Fibrosis was confined to the portal/periportal area in AM-treated rats, with no signs of cirrhosis within 6 weeks.
• AM application led to approximately 50% reduction in collagen deposition and slowed the progression of ductular reaction and activated myofibroblasts.

Conclusions:

• Human AM, applied as a liver surface patch, effectively inhibits the progression of BDL-induced liver fibrosis in rats.
• AM demonstrates potential as a protective therapeutic agent against hepatic damage associated with fibrotic degeneration.
• These findings support AM as a promising alternative therapeutic strategy for chronic liver diseases.