OBJECTIVETo observe the viability and function of human bone marrow stem cell-derived hepatocytes following cryopreservation in vitro.

METHODSHuman bone marrow cells were induced to differentiate into hepatocytes in the presence of multiple factors. Mature hepatocytes were cryopreserved in 90% FBS and 10% DMSO (Group A), 10% FBS, 30% glycerol and 60% conditioned medium (Group B), and 10% FBS, 10% DMSO, and 80% UW solution (Group C). The cells were thawed after 4 weeks, and the cell viability and the albumin level were determined.

RESULTSThe human bone marrow derived hepatocytes maintained functional morphology after thawing. The viabilities in Group A, B and C were (60.0 +/- 3.3)%, (91.0 +/- 2.6)%, and (89.0 +/- 1.4)%, respectively. After culturing for 24 h, the albumin levels in Group A, B and C were (0.210 +/- 0.005) g/L, (0.340 +/- 0.020) g/L and (0.330 +/- 0.030) g/L, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSHuman bone marrow stem cell-derived hepatocytes can maintain the viability and function after cryopreservation. These cells may contribute to an important source of hepatocytes for clinical hepatocyte transplantation and artificial liver support system.