Establishment of acute liver failure model in Tibetan miniature pig and verified by dual plasma molecular adsorption system.

BACKGROUND: Acute liver failure (ALF) is a severe liver disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. Animal models are important for research on ALF. This study aimed to establish a reproducible, Tibetan miniature pig model of D-galactosamine-induced ALF and verify it using a dual plasma molecular adsorption system (DPMAS).

METHODS: Tibet miniature pigs were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C, D) after catheterization. D-galactosamine (D-gal) at 0.45, 0.40, 0.35, and 0.35 g/kg body weight, respectively, was injected through the catheter. Group D was treated with DPMAS 48 h after D-gal administration. Vital signs and blood index values were recorded every 12 h after D-gal administration. H&E, TUNEL, Ki67, and Masson staining tests were performed.

RESULTS: After D-gal administration, Tibetan miniature pigs developed different degrees of debilitation, loss of appetite, and jaundice. Survival times of groups A, B, C, and D were 39.7 ± 5.9, 53.0 ± 12.5,61.3 ± 8.1, and 61 ± 7 h, respectively. Blood levels of ALT, AST, TBIL, ammonia, PT, and inflammation factors significantly increased compared with baseline levels in the different groups ( P s < 0.05). Pathological results revealed a clear liver cell necrosis positive correlation with D-gal dose. However, DPMAS did not increase the survival time in ALF, ammonia, or liver cell necrosis.

CONCLUSION: We successfully established a reproducible Tibetan miniature pig model of d-galactosamine-induced ALF, and we believe that a dosage of 0.35 g/kg is optimal.