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World J Gastroenterol. Mar 28, 2007; 13(12): 1851-1856
Published online Mar 28, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i12.1851
Contribution of mononuclear bone marrow cells to carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats
Bao-Qiang Cao, Ji-Zong Lin, Yue-Si Zhong, Shao-Bin Huang, Nan Lin, Zhao-Feng Tang, Rui Chen, Peng Xiang, Rui-Yun Xu
Bao-Qiang Cao, Ji-Zong Lin, Yue-Si Zhong, Shao-Bin Huang, Nan Lin, Rui-Yun Xu, Zhao-feng Tang, Department of Hepatobility Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong Province, China
Peng Xiang, Rui Chen, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74# Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Supported by the Key Scientific and Technological Projects of Guangdong Province, No. 2005A30201007, and Guangdong Provincial Natural Science Fundation, No. 06021343
Correspondence to: Professor Rui-Yun Xu, Department of Hepatobility Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong Province, China. xuruiyun@yahoo.com.cn
Telephone: +86-20-87536260
Received: January 3, 2006
Revised: January 13, 2006
Accepted: March 18, 2007
Published online: March 28, 2007
Abstract

AIM: To study the inhibitory effect of mononuclear bone marrow cell (BMC) transplantation on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) -induced liver fibrosis in rats.

METHODS: Rat liver fibrosis models were induced by CCl4 and alcohol administration. After 8 wk, twenty rats were randomly allocated into treatment group (n = 10) and control group (n = 10). BMC were infused into the rats in treatment group via the portal vein, while heparinized saline was infused in control group. CCl4 was hypodermically injected into the rats twice a week for 4 wk. At the end of wk 12, all rats were humanely sacrificed. Liver samples were taken and stained with HE or Masson trichrome. The general conditions, liver fibrosis (hydroxyproline and collagen fibre) and liver pathological grades in rats were evaluated.

RESULTS: The general conditions of the rats in treatment group improved markedly, but not in control group. Hydroxyproline was 504.6 ± 128.8 μg/g in treatment group, and 596.0 ± 341.8 μg/g in control group. The percentage of collagen fibre was 3.75% ± 0.98% in treatment group and 5.02% ± 0.44% in control group. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). Liver pathological grade decreased from grade IV to grade III partially in treatment group (P < 0.05) with no obvious improvement in control group (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference between treatment group and control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Transplantation of BMC can improve liver fibrosis due to chronic liver injury in rats.

Keywords: Bone marrow cell; Transplantation; Liver cirrhosis; Rat model