Effects of HOE 077 on the fibrotic overgrowth and viability of the encapsulated islets

Objectives To investigate the effects of HOE 077 on the fibmtic overgrowth around implanted microcapsules and viability of encapsulated islets.Methods Porcine islet cells were encapsulated in barium-alginate capsules after isolation.The islet-containing microcapsules were implanted into the liver of Palb/c mice.HOE 077 was administered with the drinking water(1.5 mg/m1),while the controls received only water.After 4 weeks,the Capsules were retrieved for histological examination.The severity of fibrotic reaction to the capsules and the viability of islet cells were determined.Results In the control group,encapsulated islet cells implantgd into liver were surrounded with cell-rich,fibrotic tissue.The mean thickness of cell infiltration was (62.12±3.84)um and the viability was(15.16±2.32)%.In contrast, the thickness of fibrosis in the HOE 077-treated group was (41.44±2.45)μm and the viability was (23.08±2.45)%. A significant difference in mean cell infiltrating thickness and viability between the two groups was observed(P＜0.000 1 and P＜0.01,respectively).Conclusions Administration of compound HOE 077 could be a novel approach for preventing fibrotic reaction to encapsulated islets and improving the graftsurvival. Key words: Microencapsulation; Islet; HOE 077; Fibrosis; Viability