Cytoprotective Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells During Liver Transplantation From Donors After Cardiac Death in Swine.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Liver transplantation from donors after cardiac death (DCDs) can increase the pool of available organs. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used to treat various diseases. Some studies have reported that MSCs improve the outcome of liver transplantation from DCDs in mice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytoprotective effects and safety of MSC transplantation on liver grafts from DCDs in swine.

METHODS:

For the MSCs, we used swine adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). Landrace swine were divided into 3 groups (n = 5) as follows: 1. the heart-beating (HB) group, from which liver grafts were retrieved and transplanted; 2. the DCD group, from which liver grafts were retrieved 10 minutes after apnea-induced cardiac arrest and transplanted; and 3. the ADSC group, from which liver grafts were retrieved as with the DCD group, transplanted, and then infused with 1.0 × 107 ADSCs 2 hours after reperfusion.

RESULTS:

In the HB group, all 5 recipients survived for >7 days, whereas all 5 recipients in the DCD group died within 24 hours after transplantation. In the ADSC group, 3 recipients survived for >7 days, whereas 2 recipients died within 4 days after transplantation. The survival rate was significantly higher in the ADSC group than in the DCD group.

CONCLUSIONS:

MSCs could protect the function of liver grafts from warm ischemia-reperfusion injury and improve the viability of DCD liver grafts.

• Authors: Hideaki Sasajima, Shigehito Miyagi, Shuhei Yamada, Yuta Kakizaki, Takashi Kamei, Michiaki Unno, Masafumi Goto
• Journal: Transplantation proceedings (Transplant Proc) 2020 Jul - Aug Vol. 52 Issue 6 Pg. 1891-1900 ISSN: 1873-2623 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 32389486 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Animals
• Death
• Graft Survival
• Liver Transplantation (methods)
• Male
• Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation
• Swine
• Tissue Donors (supply & distribution)
• Warm Ischemia (adverse effects)