Bovine matrix scaffold implanted in rat liver improve regeneration in a partial hepatectomy model.

Introduction and objectives

Liver transplant is the recommended therapeutic option for advanced liver damage in chronic liver disease. However, the biocompatibility and low donation rates significantly reduce the chances of performing a successful transplant. The use of inert biomaterials such as collagen matrix scaffolds (CMS) has been suggested as a promising option to restore the function of organs, including liver. The objective was to evaluate the biocompatibility and liver restoration after partial hepatectomy and the implant of bovine matrix scaffold in a rat model.

Materials and Patients

Three groups of Wistar rats were evaluated: Sham, Partial hepatectomy (PH) (40%, left lobe) and PH + Collagen Matrix (CM). After surgical procedure the animals were monitored and the exploratory laparoscopy and histological analysis at 14 and 30 days was performed. The liver function was also compared in the three animal groups. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the School of Medicine at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). All procedures were performed according to official Mexican policy (SAGARPA, 1999). Our institution fulfills all technical specifications for the production, care, and use of laboratory animals and is certified by national law (NOM-062-ZOO-1999).

Results

The biomaterial showed evidence of reabsorption, the animals did not display signs of infection or systemic alterations. Moreover, the histopathological evaluation showed abundant hepatocyte proliferation and angiogenesis near to the site of CM implantation. An incipient inflammation or exacerbate macrophages, Langhans-type, and foreign-body giant cells were observed; these findings strongly suggest not rejection at 30 days. Furthermore, no statistical differences in albumin, bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were observed at day 14 in sham, PH and PH + CM.

Conclusions

Bovine collagen matrix showed great compatibility with the liver and was bioabsorbable. The incorporation of this biomaterial does not interfere with liver function and promotes the proliferation of hepatocytes and vessels, showing typical arrangement of the hepatic parenchyma. The use of the biomaterial could be beneficial to reduce the current limitation of organ transplant.

Ethical statement

This study was approved by the ethics committee of the School of Medicine at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). All procedures were performed according to official Mexican policy SAGARPA, 1999). Our institution fulfills all technical specifications for the production, care, and use of laboratory animals and is certified by national law (NOM-062-ZOO-1999).

Declaration of interests

None

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.