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World J Gastroenterol. Feb 28, 2006; 12(8): 1312-1316
Published online Feb 28, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i8.1312
Functional evaluation of a new bioartificial liver system in vivo and in vivo
Zhong Chen, Yi-Tao Ding
Zhong Chen, Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
Yi-Tao Ding, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Supported by the Key Project Foundation of the Health Department of Jiangsu Province, China, No. BQ200020 and 2002 Qinglan Project Foundation of the Education Department of Jiangsu Province, China
Correspondence to: Zhong Chen, PhD, Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China. chenz_surg@sina.com.cn
Telephone: +86-513-5829806 Fax: +86-513-5106369
Received: September 23, 2005
Revised: October 15, 2005
Accepted: October 26, 2005
Published online: February 28, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the functions of a new bioartificial liver (BAL) system in vitro and in vitro.

MEHTODS: The BAL system was configurated by inoculating porcine hepatocyte spheroids into the cell circuit of a hollow fiber bioreactor. In the experiments of BAL in vitro, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TB), and albumin (ALB) in the circulating hepatocyte suspension and RPMI-1640 medium were determined during 6 h of circulation in the BAL device. In the experiments of BAL in vitro, acute liver failure (ALF) model in canine was induced by an end-side portocaval shunt combined with common bile duct ligation and transaction. Blood ALT, TB and ammonia levels of ALF in canines were determined before and after BAL treatment.

RESULTS: During 6 h of circulation in vitro, there was no significant change of ALT, whereas the TB and ALB levels gradually increased with time both in the hepatocyte suspension and in RPMI-1640 medium. In the BAL treatment group, blood ALT, TB and ammonia levels of ALF in canines decreased significantly.

CONCLUSION: The new BAL system has the ability to perform liver functions and can be used to treat ALF.

Keywords: Bioartificial liver; Liver transplantation; Porcine hepatocyte