Human mesenchymal stem cell secretome increases hepatocyte growth factor expression and promotes liver regeneration in Wistar rats with cholestasis

Globally, the annual mortality rate due to liver cirrhosis is 2.2%, which ranks 12th as the cause of death in the United States. Human mesenchymal stem cell secretome (Hu-MSC-S) is known to reduce liver injury and inflammation. Thus, the present study aims to determine the effect of Hu-MSC-S on hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) expression and liver regeneration in cholestatic rats after choledochal duct ligation receiving standard ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy. A randomized experimental study was conducted on 24 male Wistar rats. All rats were randomly assigned into four groups such as control, UDCA, Hu-MSC-S, and UDCA+Hu-MSC-S. The expression of HGF and mitotic index as markers of liver regeneration were evaluated using histopathologic examination. Both HGF expression and the mitotic index were significantly higher in the UDCA and Hu-MSC-S groups (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. The combined administration of UDCA and Hu-MSC-S resulted in significantly higher HGF expression and mitotic index than the individual intervention (P < 0.05). The additional administration of Hu-MSC-S increased HGF expression and mitotic index in rat model of hepatic cholestasis. In conclusion, HuMSC-S administration could be considered as a therapy in patients who received standard UDCA therapy for liver regeneration.