A novel bioscaffold with naturally-occurring extracellular matrix promotes hepatocyte survival and vessel patency in mouse models of heterologous transplantation

2018 
Abstract Background Naive decellularized liver scaffold (nDLS)-based tissue engineering has been impaired by the lack of a suitable extracellular matrix (ECM) to provide “active micro-environmental” support. Aim The present study aimed to examine whether a novel, regenerative DLS (rDLS) with an active ECM improves primary hepatocyte survival and prevents thrombosis. Methods: rDLS was obtained from a 30–55% partial hepatectomy that was maintained in vivo for 3–5 days and then perfused with detergent in vitro . Compared to nDLS generated from normal livers, rDLS possesses bioactive molecules due to the regenerative period in vivo . Primary mouse hepatocyte survival was evaluated by staining for Ki-67 and Trypan blue exclusion. Thrombosis was assessed by immunohistochemistry and ex vivo diluted whole-blood perfusion. Hemocompatibility was determined by near-infrared laser-Doppler flowmetry and heterotopic transplantation. Results After recellularization, rDLS contained more Ki-67-positive primary hepatocytes than nDLS. rDLS had a higher oxygen saturation and blood flow velocity and a lower expression of integrin αIIb and α4 than nDLS. Tumor necrosis factor-α, hepatocyte growth factor, interleukin-10, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β were highly expressed throughout the rDLS, whereas expression of collagen-I, collagen-IV and thrombopoietin were lower in rDLS than in nDLS. Improved blood vessel patency was observed in rDLS both in vitro and in vivo . The results in mice were confirmed in large animals (pigs). Conclusion: rDLS is an effective DLS with an “active microenvironment” that supports primary hepatocyte survival and promotes blood vessel patency. This is the first study to demonstrate a rDLS with a blood microvessel network that promotes hepatocyte survival and resists thrombosis.
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