Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attractive cells for cell therapy. However, the efficacy of MSCs is limited because of low survival rate following translation. In this study, MSCs were preconditioned with sub-lethal doses of H₂O₂. The therapeutic potential of preconditioning MSCs was examined on acute liver failure in mice.

 Materials and Methods

 

In the present experimental study, MSCs were isolated from bone marrow aspirate. Cells from passage four were treated with different concentrations of H2O2 for 24 hrs, and then were recovered in fresh medium for 7 hrs followed by exposure to lethal doses of H2O2. Cell viability was measured with WST-1 assay. In the in vivo phase, acute liver failure was induced by CCl4 then, the regenerative potential of preconditioned-MSCs was evaluated using biochemical as well as histological methods.

 Results

 Survival rates were higher in the engrafted mice with preconditioned-MSCs in comparison to those who received normal MSCs. Three days after cell therapy liver enzymes reached the normal level in engrafted group with preconditioned-MSCs. Interestingly, histological results revealed a significant improvement in liver regeneration potential in transplanted groups with preconditioned-MSCs.

 Conclusions

 Preconditioning of MSCs with H₂O₂ not only enhances their survival but also increases the efficacy of MSC-based cell therapy in liver acute failure.