The regenerative effect of stem cells on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats

Abstract

Abstract Background Acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause of acute liver injury (ALI) and acute liver failure (ALF) in the developed world. We aimed at studying the therapeutic potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in accelerating healing of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Results This prospective study included 50 male albino rats divided into 2 groups: hepatotoxic group and non-hepatotoxic group. Hepatotoxicity was induced in experimental rats by acetaminophen and then stem cells were transplanted into the rats and their effects on the liver cells were assessed. After injection of BM MSCs, the cells reached the targeted tissues. They were established in the central veins and blood sinusoids in the liver tissue. The hepatotoxic liver showed degeneration and loss of normal hepatic architecture as well as necrotic areas and congestion mainly in the portal tract vessels, dilation of blood sinusoids, and infiltration by inflammatory cells around the central veins. In addition, there were abnormal nuclei either irregular in shape or showing loss of open face compared to the normal control group. The liver tissue in BM MSC-treated group showed restoration of normal architecture of the liver tissue. Conclusion Administration of MSCs has hepato-therapeutic effect on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The mechanism of this hepatoprotective effect may be through anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and immunomodulatory actions of MSCs.

Keywords

• Acute liver failure
• Stem cells
• Acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity