Improvement of the therapeutic capacity of insulin-producing cells trans-differentiated from human liver cells using engineered cell sheet

Abstract Background: Although pancreatic islet transplantation therapy is ideal for diabetes patients, several hurdles have prevented it from becoming a standard treatment, including donor shortage and low engraftment efficacy. In this study, we prepared insulin-producing cells trans-differentiated from adult human liver cells as a new islet source.Also, cell sheets formation couldimprove differentiation efficiencyand graft survival. Methods: Liver cells were expanded in vitro and trans-differentiated to IPCs using adenovirus vectors carrying human genes for PDX1, NEUROD1 and MAFA. IPCs were seeded on temperature-responsive culture dishes to form cell sheets. Differentiation efficiency were confirmed by ß cell-specific gene expression, insulin production, and immunohistochemistry. IPCs suspension was injected by portal vein (PV), and IPCs sheet was transplanted on the liver surface of the diabetic nude mouse.The therapeutic effect of IPC sheet was evaluated by comparing blood glucose control, weight gain, histological evaluation and hepatotoxicity with IPCs injection group. Also, cell biodistribution was assessed by in vivo/ex vivo fluorescence image tagging.Results: Insulin gene expression and protein production were significantly increased on IPC sheets compared with those in IPCs cultured on conventional culture dishes. Transplanted IPC sheets displayed significantly higher engraftment efficiency and fewer transplanted cells in other organs than injected IPCs, and also lower liver toxicity, improved blood glucose levels, and weight gain. Immunohistochemical analyses of liver tissue revealed positive staining for PDX1 and insulin at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after IPCs transplantation.Conclusions: In conclusion, cell sheet formation enhanced the differentiation function and maturation of IPCsin vitro. Additionally, parameters for clinical application such as distribution, therapeutic efficacy, and toxicity were favorable. The cell sheet technique may be used with IPCs derived from various cell sources in clinical applications.

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Improvement of therapeutic capacity of insulin-producing cells trans-differentiated from human liver cells using engineered cell sheet

10.21203/rs.3.rs-18445/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yu Na Lee ◽

Hye-Jin Yi ◽

Eun Hye Seo ◽

Jooyun Oh ◽

Song Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Blood Glucose ◽

Human Liver ◽

Cell Sheet ◽

Liver Cells ◽

Cell Sheets ◽

Human Liver Cells ◽

Insulin Producing Cells ◽

Differentiation Efficiency

Abstract Background: Although pancreatic islet transplantation therapy is ideal for diabetes patients, several hurdles have prevented it from becoming a standard treatment, including donor shortage and low engraftment efficacy. In this study, we prepared insulin-producing cells trans-differentiated from adult human liver cells as a new islet source. Also, cell sheets formation could improve differentiation efficiency and graft survival.Methods: Liver cells were expanded in vitro and trans-differentiated to IPCs using adenovirus vectors carrying human genes for PDX1, NEUROD1 and MAFA. IPCs were seeded on temperature-responsive culture dishes to form cell sheets. Differentiation efficiency were confirmed by ß cell-specific gene expression, insulin production, and immunohistochemistry. IPCs suspension was injected by portal vein (PV), and IPCs sheet was transplanted on the liver surface of the diabetic nude mouse. The therapeutic effect of IPC sheet was evaluated by comparing blood glucose control, weight gain, histological evaluation and hepatotoxicity with IPCs injection group. Also, cell biodistribution was assessed by in vivo/ex vivo fluorescence image tagging.Results: Insulin gene expression and protein production were significantly increased on IPC sheets compared with those in IPCs cultured on conventional culture dishes. Transplanted IPC sheets displayed significantly higher engraftment efficiency and fewer transplanted cells in other organs than injected IPCs, and also lower liver toxicity, improved blood glucose levels, and weight gain. One and two weeks following IPC sheet transplantation, immunohistochemical analyses of liver tissue revealed positive staining for PDX1 and insulin.Conclusions: In conclusion, cell sheet formation enhanced the differentiation function and maturation of IPCs in vitro. Additionally, parameters for clinical application such as distribution, therapeutic efficacy, and toxicity were favorable. The cell sheet technique may be used with IPCs derived from various cell sources in clinical applications.

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Improvement of the therapeutic capacity of insulin-producing cells trans-differentiated from human liver cells using engineered cell sheet

Stem Cell Research & Therapy ◽

10.1186/s13287-020-02080-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yu Na Lee ◽

Hye-Jin Yi ◽

Eun Hye Seo ◽

Jooyun Oh ◽

Song Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Blood Glucose ◽

Human Liver ◽

Cell Sheet ◽

Liver Cells ◽

Human Liver Cells ◽

Insulin Producing Cells ◽

Differentiation Efficiency

Abstract Background Although pancreatic islet transplantation therapy is ideal for diabetes patients, several hurdles have prevented it from becoming a standard treatment, including donor shortage and low engraftment efficacy. In this study, we prepared insulin-producing cells trans-differentiated from adult human liver cells as a new islet source. Also, cell sheet formation could improve differentiation efficiency and graft survival. Methods Liver cells were expanded in vitro and trans-differentiated to IPCs using adenovirus vectors carrying human genes for PDX1, NEUROD1, and MAFA. IPCs were seeded on temperature-responsive culture dishes to form cell sheets. Differentiation efficiency was confirmed by ß cell-specific gene expression, insulin production, and immunohistochemistry. IPC suspension was injected by portal vein (PV), and IPC sheet was transplanted on the liver surface of the diabetic nude mouse. The therapeutic effect of IPC sheet was evaluated by comparing blood glucose control, weight gain, histological evaluation, and hepatotoxicity with IPC injection group. Also, cell biodistribution was assessed by in vivo/ex vivo fluorescence image tagging. Results Insulin gene expression and protein production were significantly increased on IPC sheets compared with those in IPCs cultured on conventional culture dishes. Transplanted IPC sheets displayed significantly higher engraftment efficiency and fewer transplanted cells in other organs than injected IPCs, and also lower liver toxicity, improved blood glucose levels, and weight gain. Immunohistochemical analyses of liver tissue revealed positive staining for PDX1 and insulin at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after IPC transplantation. Conclusions In conclusion, cell sheet formation enhanced the differentiation function and maturation of IPCs in vitro. Additionally, parameters for clinical application such as distribution, therapeutic efficacy, and toxicity were favorable. The cell sheet technique may be used with IPCs derived from various cell sources in clinical applications.

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Improvement of therapeutic capacity of insulin-producing cells trans-differentiated from human liver cells using engineered cell sheet

10.21203/rs.3.rs-18445/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yu Na Lee ◽

Hye-Jin Yi ◽

Eun Hye Seo ◽

Jooyun Oh ◽

Song Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Blood Glucose ◽

Human Liver ◽

Cell Sheet ◽

Liver Cells ◽

Cell Sheets ◽

Human Liver Cells ◽

Insulin Producing Cells ◽

Differentiation Efficiency

Abstract Background: Although pancreatic islet transplantation therapy is ideal for diabetes patients, several hurdles have prevented it from becoming a standard treatment, including donor shortage and low engraftment efficacy. In this study, we prepared insulin-producing cells trans-differentiated from adult human liver cells as a new islet source. Also, cell sheets formation could improve differentiation efficiency and graft survival.Methods: Liver cells were expanded in vitro and trans-differentiated to IPCs using adenovirus vectors carrying human genes for PDX1, NEUROD1 and MAFA. IPCs were seeded on temperature-responsive culture dishes to form cell sheets. Differentiation efficiency were confirmed by ß cell-specific gene expression, insulin production, and immunohistochemistry. IPCs suspension was injected by portal vein (PV), and IPCs sheet was transplanted on the liver surface of the diabetic nude mouse. The therapeutic effect of IPC sheet was evaluated by comparing blood glucose control, weight gain, histological evaluation and hepatotoxicity with IPCs injection group. Also, cell biodistribution was assessed by in vivo/ex vivo fluorescence image tagging.Results: Insulin gene expression and protein production were significantly increased on IPC sheets compared with those in IPCs cultured on conventional culture dishes. Transplanted IPC sheets displayed significantly higher engraftment efficiency and fewer transplanted cells in other organs than injected IPCs, and also lower liver toxicity, improved blood glucose levels, and weight gain. Immunohistochemical analyses of liver tissue revealed positive staining for PDX1 and insulin at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after IPCs transplantation.Conclusions: In conclusion, cell sheet formation enhanced the differentiation function and maturation of IPCs in vitro. Additionally, parameters for clinical application such as distribution, therapeutic efficacy, and toxicity were favorable. The cell sheet technique may be used with IPCs derived from various cell sources in clinical applications.

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Human Liver Cells Expressing Albumin and Mesenchymal Characteristics Give Rise to Insulin-Producing Cells

Journal of Transplantation ◽

10.1155/2011/252387 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Irit Meivar-Levy ◽

Tamar Sapir ◽

Dana Berneman ◽

Tal Weissbach ◽

Sylvie Polak-Charcon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Liver ◽

Developmental Plasticity ◽

Liver Cells ◽

Lineage Tracing ◽

Hepatic Tissue ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Human Liver Cells ◽

Insulin Producing Cells

Activation of the pancreatic lineage in the liver has been suggested as a potential autologous cell replacement therapy for diabetic patients. Transcription factors-induced liver-to-pancreas reprogramming has been demonstrated in numerous species bothin vivoandin vitro. However, human-derived liver cells capable of acquiring the alternate pancreatic repertoire have never been characterized. It is yet unknown whether hepatic-like stem cells or rather adult liver cells give rise to insulin-producing cells. Using anin vitroexperimental system, we demonstrate that proliferating adherent human liver cells acquire mesenchymal-like characteristics and a considerable level of cellular plasticity. However, using a lineage-tracing approach, we demonstrate that insulin-producing cells are primarily generated in cells enriched for adult hepatic markers that coexpress both albumin and mesenchymal markers. Taken together, our data suggest that adult human hepatic tissue retains a substantial level of developmental plasticity, which could be exploited in regenerative medicine approaches.

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In vitro investigations of Cynara scolymus L. extract on cell physiology of HepG2 liver cells

Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽

10.1590/s1984-82502009000200003 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 45 (2) ◽

pp. 201-208 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Gesine Löhr ◽

Alexandra Deters ◽

Andreas Hensel

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Human Liver ◽

Leaf Extract ◽

Liver Cells ◽

Mitochondrial Activity ◽

Cell Physiology ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Human Liver Cells ◽

Artichoke Leaf Extract

The objective of this study was the investigation of a potential influence of artichoke leaf extract (ALE) on the cell physiology and gene expression of phase I/II enzymes of human liver cells HepG2 and investigation on potential cell protective effects against ethanol-induced cell toxicity against HepG2 cells. Cell biological assays under in vitro conditions using HepG2 liver cells and investigation of mitochondrial activity (MTT test), proliferation assay (BrdU incorporation ELISA), LDH as toxicity marker, gene expression analysis by RT-PCR and enzyme activity of glutationtransferase. Artichocke extract, containing 27% caffeoylquinic acids and 7% flavonoids induced mitochondrial activity, proliferation and total protein content under in vitro conditions in human liver cells HepG2. These effects could not be correlated to the well-known artichoke secondary compounds cynarin, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside. The flavones luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside had inhibitory effects at 100 µg/mL level on HepG2 cells, with luteolin being a significant stronger inhibitor compared to the respective glucoside. Artichoke leaf extract had minor stimulating effect on gene expression of CYP1A2, while CYP3A4, GGT, GPX2, GSR and GST were slightly inhibited. GST inhibition under in vitro conditions was also shown by quantification of GST enzyme activity. Induction of gene expression of CYP1A2 was shown to be supraadditive after simultaneous application of ethanol plus artichoke extract. Artichoke leaf extract exhibited cell protective effects against ethanol-induced toxicity within cotreatment under in vitro conditions. Also H2O2 damage was significantly inhibited by simultaneous artichoke incubation. Pre- and posttreatments did not exert protective effects. DMSO-induced toxicity was significantly reduced by pre-, post- and cotreatment with artichoke extract and especially with luteolin-7-O-glucoside, indicating a direct interaction with the toxifying agent and an induction of repair mechanisms.

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AAnti-Inflammatory Effects of Plasma Circulating Exosomes Obtained from Normal-Weight and Obese Subjects on Hepatocytes

Endocrine Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1871530320666200505121426 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

Author(s):

Reza Afrisham ◽

Sahar Sadegh-Nejadi ◽

Reza Meshkani ◽

Solaleh Emamgholipour ◽

Molood Bagherieh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Cytokines ◽

Hepg2 Cells ◽

Human Liver ◽

Liver Cells ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Human Liver Cells ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Introduction: Obesity is a disorder with low-grade chronic inflammation that plays a key role in the hepatic inflammation and steatosis. Moreover, there are studies to support the role of exosomes in the cellular communications, the regulation of metabolic homeostasis and immunomodulatory activity. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate the influence of plasma circulating exosomes derived from females with normal-weight and obesity on the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in human liver cells. Methods: Plasma circulating exosomes were isolated from four normal (N-Exo) and four obese (O-Exo) women. The exosomes were characterized and approved for CD63 expression (common exosomal protein marker) and morphology/size using the western blot and TEM methods, respectively. The exosomes were used for stimulation of HepG2 cells in vitro. After 24 h incubation, the protein levels of TNF-α,IL-6, and IL-1β were measured in the culture supernatant of HepG2 cells using the ELISA kit. Results: The protein levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the cells treated with O-Exo and N-Exo reduced significantly in comparison with control group (P=0.039 and P<0.001 respectively), while significance differences were not found between normal and obese groups (P=0.808, and P=0.978 respectively). However, no significant differences were found between three groups in term of IL-1β levels (P=0.069). Based on the correlation analysis, the protein levels of IL-6 were positively correlated with TNF-α (r 0.978, P<0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that plasma circulating exosomes have probably anti-inflammatory properties independently from body mass index and may decrease the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in liver. However, further investigations in vitro and in vivo are needed to address the anti-inflammatory function of N-Exo and O-Exo in human liver cells and/or other cells.

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The effect of liver donors’ age, gender and metabolic state on pancreatic lineage activation

Regenerative Medicine ◽

10.2217/rme-2020-0092 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 19-31

Author(s):

Ioan V Matei ◽

Irit Meivar-Levy ◽

Daniela Lixandru ◽

Simona Dima ◽

Ioana R Florea ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Replacement Therapy ◽

Human Liver ◽

Liver Cells ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Metabolic State ◽

Human Liver Cells ◽

Metabolic States ◽

Different Ages ◽

Liver Donors

Autologous cells replacement therapy by liver to pancreas transdifferentiation (TD) allows diabetic patients to be also the donors of their own therapeutic tissue. Aim: To analyze whether the efficiency of the process is affected by liver donors’ heterogeneity with regard to age, gender and the metabolic state. Materials & methods: TD of liver cells derived from nondiabetic and diabetic donors at different ages was characterized at molecular and cellular levels, in vitro. Results: Neither liver cells proliferation nor the propagated cells TD efficiency directly correlate with the age (3–60 years), gender or the metabolic state of the donors. Conclusion: Human liver cells derived from a wide array of ages and metabolic states can be used for autologous cells therapies for diabetics.

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