Portal vein embolization (PVE) can be used prior to liver surgery to increase the volume of the remaining liver tissue after an extensive resection. However, the application of PVE is limited and new strategies to augment liver regeneration by cellular therapy are promising alternatives.
Materials and methods: The influence of syngeneic multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) on liver regeneration was analysed after the ligation of the right portal vein branches in a porcine model, closely mimicking the situation of human surgery. Liver regeneration was monitored by ultrasonography, immunohistological analysis and serum biochemistry.
Results: The volume of the contra-lateral, non-ligated liver lobe increased in all piglets after portal vein ligation. This hyperplasia occurred earlier and was more pronounced in those piglets receiving MSC infusions as compared to non-treated controls. Biochemical liver function was stable in all pigs. Only solitary transplanted MSC were detected in recipient livers two weeks after the infusion.
Conclusion: The infusion of porcine MSC into the portal vein in a setting of liver regeneration after surgical resection leads to accelerated and augmented hyperplasia. This effect is most likely due to bystander effects of the transplanted MSC.