Hepatogenic Differentiation Capacity of Human Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cell in a Co-culturing System with Endothelial Cells in Matrigel/collagen Scaffold in the Presence of Fetal Liver Extract

BACKGROUND: Human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (HWJMSCs) isolated from medical waste product can be considered as an accessible source of cells in regenerative medicine. Stem cell-derived hepatocytes have poor function and need appropriate niche to reconstruct the liver structure. Therefore, we attempted to find a novel approach in differentiating HWJMSCs into functional hepatic cells using 3D culture conditions and liver extract that recapitulates vital stage in liver development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HWJMSCs were extracted from human Wharton's jelly, characterized by flow cytometry, and differentiated towards osteogenic and adipogenic lineages. HWJMSCs were co-cultured with HUVECs in 3D matrigel/ collagen scaffolds in the presence of fetal liver extract for 14 days. The expression of specific liver genes were evaluated by lectins, PAS and immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: According to flow cytometry data, isolated cells from HWJMSCs were shown to express MSC markers. HWJMSCs co-cultured with HUVECs in matrigel/collagen scaffold with extract expressed albumin, lectins UEA and PNA. Immunohistochemistry of the cells in matrigel/collagen scaffold with or without extract exhibited a positive reaction for CK19. CONCLUSIONS: Co-culturing of the HWJMSC/HUVEC in 3D matrigel/collagen scaffold is bimimicary of in vivo cell condition. The results showed that administration of the liver extract in 3D matrigel/collagen culture of HWJMSC/HUVEC can induce hepatocyte marker expression.