H2O2-Preconditioned Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Liver Regeneration in Acute Liver Failure-Induced Mice

Introduction: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are suitable candidates for the treatment of liver diseases. However, their low survival rate limits their efficacy following transplantation. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potentials of H2O2-preconditioned umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UCMSCs) on acute liver failure (ALF) in mice. Methods: UCMSCs were pre-conditioned with different concentrations of H2O2. Cell viability was evaluated by WST-1 (water soluble tetrazolium) assay followed by exposure to lethal doses of H2O2. ALF was induced in NMRI mice using CCl4 and the cells therapy was performed using H2O2-preconditioned and normal UCMSCs. After 24, 48, and 72 hours, regenerative potentials of different UCMSCs groups were evaluated compared to sham group (that receive no MSCs) using biochemical and histological methods.  Results: Lower liver enzymes was significantly evident in mice transplanted with H2O2-preconditioned UCMSCs compared with the other groups. Interestingly, histological results revealed a significant improvement in liver regeneration in these mice. Conclusion: Preconditioning of UCMSCs with H2O2 not only enhances their survival but also increases the efficacy of MSCs-based cell therapy in acute liver failure.