Evaluation of a bioartificial liver based on a nonwoven fabric bioreactor with porcine hepatocytes in pigs

Background/Aims: We developed a bioartifical liver (VIAL) based on a direct hemoperfusion typed nonwoven fabric bioreactor containing porcine hepatocytes. In this study, the efficacy of our VIAL was evaluated with a pig fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) model. Methods: FHF was induced with intravenous administration of D-galactosamine (1.3 g/kg) in each pig. Twelve hours post D-galactosamine injection, fifteen pigs were divided into: a VIAL group (n = 5), in which pigs received the VIAL treatment with 1.0 to 1.3 x 10(9) hepatocytes for 6 h, a sham VIAL group (n = 5), in which pigs received the VIAL treatment without hepatocytes, and a FHF group (n = 5), in which pigs only received intensive care. Parameters related to liver function and animal survival up to 168 h were determined. Results: In the VIAL group, blood ammonia and plasma lactate levels were lower, and serum glucose levels and Fischer index were higher than those in the other two groups. Survival time of pigs in the VIAL group was significantly prolonged as compared with the sham VIAL and the FHF group. Conclusions: The VIAL based on a nonwoven fabric bioreactor containing porcine hepatocytes appears to be effective in the treatment of FHF in pigs. (C) 2005 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.