Extensive studies have demonstrated the potential applications of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) as regenerative or immunosuppressive treatments in the setting of organ transplantation. The aims of the present study were to explore the presence and mobilization of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in adult human liver grafts and to compare their functional capacities to those of BM-MSCs. The culturing of liver graft preservation fluids (perfusates) or end-stage liver disease tissues resulted in the expansion of MSCs. Liver-derived mesenchymal stem cells (L-MSCs) were equivalent to BM-MSCs in adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation and in wingless-type-stimulated proliferative responses. Moreover, the genome-wide gene expression was very similar, with a 2-fold or greater difference found in only 82 of the 32,321 genes (0.25%). L-MSC differentiation into a hepatocyte lineage was demonstrated in immunodeficient mice and in vitro by the ability to support a hepatitis C virus infection. Furthermore, a subset of engrafted MSCs survived over the long term in vivo and maintained stem cell characteristics. Like BM-MSCs, L-MSCs were found to be immunosuppressive; this was shown by significant inhibition of T cell proliferation. In conclusion, the adult human liver contains an MSC population with a regenerative and immunoregulatory capacity that can potentially contribute to tissue repair and immunomodulation after liver transplantation.
Copyright © 2011 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.