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Effect of stem cell therapy on amiodarone-induced liver injury in albino rats

IntroductionSustained liver injury causes the development of fibrosis. For patients with end-stage fibrosis (cirrhosis) with subsequent portal hypertension, liver failure, and hepatocellular cancer, liver transplantation is the only effective method of treatment. However, it is associated with several complications and side effects. Aim of the workThe present study aimed to determine the possible effect of human cord blood mesenchymal stem cell therapy on liver injury using amiodarone as a model of induced liver damage in albino rats. Materials and methodsTwenty-three adult male albino rats were divided into three groups: group I (control) included six rats that were given 0.5ml Tween 80 orally for 2 weeks, group II included 10 rats that were given 5.4mg of amiodarone orally for 2 weeks, and group III included seven rats that were injected with stem cells in the tail vein following confirmation of liver damage and held for 4 weeks before sacrifice. Liver specimens were processed. Sections were subjected to the following stains: H&E, Masson's trichrome, and Prussian blue. Immunohistochemical studies were carried out for CD44 and human APF. Digital image analysis was used to determine the area % of collagen fibers and the optical density of &agr;-fetoprotein-positive cells. The results were compared statistically. ResultsIn group II, congested dilated blood sinusoids were observed. Some hepatocytes showed dark nuclei. Some hepatocytes appeared with dark nuclei and a strong acidophilic cytoplasm; others were ballooned. Mallory bodies were observed. Some portal areas showed intense mononuclear cellular infiltration. Extensive collagen fibers existed around some central veins and portal tracts and increased area % of collagen fibers was observed. Most histological findings were improved in group III. In addition, multiple-positive &agr;-fetoprotein immunostained cells were detected and proved morphometrically by their increased mean optical density in comparison with group II. ConclusionIt can be concluded that cord blood mesenchymal stem cell therapy induces amelioration in morphological changes associated with amiodarone-induced liver injury, provided therapy is initiated early in the development of the injury.