[Proventive and Therapentic Effects of Endothelial Progenitor Cells on Monocrotaline-Induced Hepatic Vein Occlusion Disease]

Objective: To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of endothelial progenitor cells on monocrotaline-induced hepatic vein occlusion disease in mice.

Methods: C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: saline group (n=15), monocrotaline group (n=15), and endothelial progenitor cell infusion group (n=15). Liver function (TBIL, ALT, AST), liver index, and serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured on the 8^th day after intragastric administration. Hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic central venous endothelial cells and hepatocytes were observed by both HE and immunohistochemical staining. Hepatic fibrosis was observed by Masson's trichrome staining.

Results: By the light microscopy, the liver of the monocrotaline group showed moderate to the severe injuries of hepatic sinusoidal and central venous endothelial cells, and hepatic venous congestion. Masson staining showed moderate to severe hepatic fibrosis of central vein and hepatic sinus. In the endothelial progenitor cell group, hepatic sinusoidal and central venous endothelial cell injuries, and the fibrosis of central hepatic vein and hepatic sinus were mild to moderate. Hepatic venous congestion was reduced in comparison with that in the mice of the monocrotaline group. Compared with the endothelial progenitor cell group, the liver index was higher, the liver function was more abnormal, and the serum expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were higher in the monocrotaline group.

Conclusion: The monocrotaline-induced damage of hepatic sinusoidal and central venous endothelial cells is an linitiating factor for hepatic vein occlusive disease. Infusion of endothelial progenitor cells can play a role in preventing and treating hepatic vein occlusion.