Effect of portal vein transplantation with allogeneic adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells on liver fibrosis in SD rats

AIM: To explore the influence of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) transplantation on hepatic fibrosis in rats. METHODS: ADMSCs from abdominal lipid tissues were extracted, cultured and passaged. The hepatic fibrosis rat model was built up and randomly divided into 3 groups: hepatic cirrhosis group (n=14); portal vein transplantation group (n=11) and caudal vein transplantation group (n=14). Computer tomography(CT) perfusion index, histological scores and microvessel density were detected and compared after transplantation of ADMSCs among the 3 groups. RESULTS: After transplantation of ADMSCs, the total hepatic blood perfusion, especially portal vein perfusion, significantly increased in portal vein transplantation group determined by CT perfusion scan (P<0.05), but slightly increased in caudal vein transplantation group. The histological scores showed significant alleviation of fibrosis evidence in portal vein transplantation group, and slightly change of adipose degeneration in caudal vein transplantation group. Microvessel density decreased significantly in portal vein transplantation group as compared to the other 2 groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Transplantation of ADMSCs greatly helps the alleviation of hepatic fibrosis. Portal vein transplantation benefits more than caudal vein transplantation.