Coralline Scaffold Enhances Functionality and Regeneration of Liver Tissue In-Vitro

Liver fibrosis is defined by ECM accumulation in the liver and the loss of hepatocytes, which results in liver failure. The regenerative capacity of the tissue is limited, pointing to liver transplant as the only curative approach to date. Previous studies have shown the beneficial effects of coral skeleton scaffold (CSS) on bone regeneration and survival of neural cells. This study aims to examine the potential of this scaffold to enhance regeneration of liver tissue in vitro. Liver slice culture constituting an injury model was prepared from new-born SD rats. Quantification of phase contrast micrographs revealed larger numbers of migrating cells from the slice that was laid on CSS. Cell’s identity and protein expression levels were detected by immunofluorescent staining for specific hepatic markers, cytokeratin18 (CK18), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Cytochrome p450 (CP450), fibroblasts (FSP1) and proliferating cells (Ki-67). Higher percentage of hepatocytes, particularly proliferative ones, were detected among the migrating cells on CSS, leading to a higher ratio between hepatocytes vs. total migrating cells and hepatocytes vs. fibroblasts. Image analysis indicated higher expression levels of CK18, AST and CP450 on CSS. Concentrations of AST and CP450 were also quantified using Elisa assay, which showed the same tendency. Also, secretion rates of cytosolic albumin and direct and indirect bilirubin measured by Elisa assays were greater among samples cultured on CSS, indicating greater activity of the cells over time. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the regenerative effect of CSS on injured liver tissue in vitro, suggesting its integration as a regenerative agent in the development of future therapeutic approaches for liver diseases.