TY - JOUR T1 - In vitro differentiation of human umbilical vein mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocyte-like cells TT - تمایز سلول‌های بنیادی مزانشیمی ورید بند ناف انسانی به سلول‌های شبه کبدی در محیط آزمایشگاهی JF - Blood-Journal JO - Blood-Journal VL - 8 IS - 2 UR - http://bloodjournal.ir/article-1-481-en.html Y1 - 2011 SP - 79 EP - 87 KW - Umbilical Veins KW - Mesenchymal Stem Cells KW - Hepatocytes KW - Hepatocyte Gowth Fctor KW - Oncostatin M N2 -   In vitro differentiation of human umbilical vein   mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocyte-like cells       Raufi A.1 , Amini A.1 , Azadbakht M.1 , Nikkhoo B.2,3 , Aboozari M.3 , Fathi F2,3       1 Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran   2 Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran   3 Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran       Abstract  Background and Objectives Umbilical vein mesenchymal stem cells (UVMSC) which are multipotent precursors have been recently isolated. They are capable of differentiating into various cell types including neural and cardiac cells. In this study, the differentiation ability of human UVMSC into hepatocyte cells has investigated with concentration on hepatic genes expression profile.   Materials and Methods The UVMSC were isolated and cultured in differentiation medium containing hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and oncostatin M (OSM) using two step protocol. Differentiation of UVMSCs into cells expressing liver-specific genes was investigated by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry.   Results The cells showed the remarkable transition from bipolar fibroblast-like morphology to epithelial and polygonal shapes. The temporal gene expression pattern of hepatocyte-specific genes such as CK8, CK18, HNF3β, c-Met, AFP, TTR, G6P, Transthyretin, and ALB were detected during differentiation. The immunoflourescent analysis also showed that the differentiated cells were stained positively for CK-18 protein.   Conclusions Findings indicate that UVMSC has a potential for differentiation into the hepatic like cells.    Key words : Umbilical Veins, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Hepatocyte Growth Factor, Oncostatin M  Sci J Iran Blood Transfus Org 2011 8(2): 79-87                Received: 29 Nov 2010   Accepted: 15 Feb 2011         Correspondence: Fathi F., PhD of Anatomy. Associate Professor, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences.   P.O.Box: 66177-13446, Sanandaj, Iran. Tel: (+98871) 6661830 Fax : (+98871) 6660051   E-mail:   1- Acridine Orange   1- Biological safety cabinet   1- Platelet Concentrate   2- Food and Drug Administration   3- Normal Skin Flora   4- Platelet Rich Plasma-Platelet Concentrate   5- Eosin-Methylene blue   6- Thioglycolate farfath@gmail.com M3 ER -