Heparin/Collagen 3D Scaffold Accelerates Hepatocyte Differentiation of Wharton's Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Both mature and stem cell-derived hepatocytes lost their phenotype and functionality under conventional culture conditions. However, the 3D scaffolds containing the main extracellular matrix constitutions, such as heparin, may provide appropriate microenvironment for hepatocytes to be functional. The current study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the differentiation capability of hepatocytes derived from human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) in 3D heparinized scaffold. In this case, the human WJ-MSCs were cultured on the heparinized and non-heparinized 2D collagen gels or within 3D scaffolds in the presence of hepatogenic medium. Immunostaining was performed for anti-alpha fetoprotein, cytokeratin-18 and -19 antibodies. RT-PCR was performed for detection of hepatic nuclear factor-4 (HNF-4), albumin, cytokeratin-18 and -19, glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P), c-met and Cyp2B. The results indicated that hepatogenic media induced the cells to express early liver-specific markers including HNF4, albumin, cytokeratin-18 and 19 in all conditions. The cells cultured on both heparinized culture conditions expressed late liver-specific markers such as G6P and Cyp2B as well. Besides, the hepatocytes differentiated in 3D heparinized scaffolds stored more glycogen that indicated they were more functional. Non-heparinized 2D gel was the superior condition for cholangiocyte differentiation as indicated by higher levels of cytokeratin 19 expression. In conclusion, the heparinized 3D scaffolds provided a microenvironment to mimic Disse space. Therefore, 3D heparinized collagen scaffold can be suggested as a good vehicle for hepatocyte differentiation.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C virus and HIV markers among blood donors from Shakre-Kord, Iran [2004-2006]

To determine the prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV infection in voluntary blood donors from Shahre Kord, a central province of Iran, during 2004-2006 Retrospective, descriptive and analytical study based on data from Serology Laboratory of the Blood Transfusion Center [BTC] at Shahre-Kord, Iran The BTC, Shahre-Kord, Iran 35,124 apparently healthy voluntary blood donors Detection of HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti- HCV and anti-HIV markers in blood samples using immunoenzymatic tests and Western blotting, as determined by the BTC Analysis of data obtained from the Serology Laboratory of the BTC, Shahre-Kord, Iran to determine prevalence Overall prevalence estimates were: 0.1% for HBsAg, 0.07% for anti-HBc, 0.2% for anti-HCV and 0.002% for anti-HIV antibody. There was a statistically significant increase in the overall prevalence of HBsAg and HBcAb [from 0.015% to 0.02%] and the prevalence of HCVAb [from 0.06% to 0.48%] during the study period [p < 0.05]. Three male donors were co-infected by HCV and HBV. This study suggests the need to investigate risk factors and risk groups for these infections in Iran. In the light of these results, an effective control and training program should be implemented