Therapeutic potential of plasma proteins derived from umbilical cord blood for acute liver failure.

Acute liver failure is a life-threatening condition that rapidly progresses to loss of liver function. Currently, liver transplantation is the most definitive treatment for this entity, but suitable organs are at a significant shortage. Therefore, developing a clinically viable approach to gain additional waiting time before liver transplantation can be performed remains a top clinical priority. Umbilical cord blood plasma (UCBP), being traditionally regarded as biological waste, is now perceived as a rich reservoir of various significant biomolecules. In this study, we aim to evaluate the therapeutic potential of UCBP for acute liver failure induced in a rat model by D-galactosamine (GalN). F344 rats were randomly divided into two groups (control and UCBP-treated) after GalN injection. Survival, H&E staining, TUNEL, PCNA staining, and in vivo BrdU labeling were recorded. Administration of UCBP resulted in prolonged survival, significantly decreased AST, ALT, and hepatocellular death, and increased cell proliferation. These results were likely present by virtue of the high concentrations of bioactive molecules that UCBP contains. In vitro experiments revealed that adiponectin is one of the key biologically active components of UCBP in facilitating this result and promoting hepatocyte proliferation. Furthermore, this effect is mediated by pP38/ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Therefore, this uncomplicated and clinically accessible approach may serve as effective bridge therapy for acute liver failure.