Invitro Hepatic like Differentiation of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells through FGF and IGF Factor Preconditioning.

Introduction Liver diseases remain a major global health burden, with limited treatment options for advanced hepatic dysfunction. Current treatment options are limited and mainly supportive, with liver transplantation being the only definitive therapy in advanced cases. Stem cell-based therapies have emerged as a promising alternative due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. Stem cells can differentiate and produce identical daughter cells. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) hold promise for liver regeneration but show limited hepatic differentiation efficiency. Preconditioning with FGF and IGF may enhance their differentiation, survival, and functional potential. This study aims to investigate the effect of FGF and IGF pre-treatment on the differentiation capacity of UC-MSCs and their potential application in regenerative therapy for liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. Methods Cell viability was evaluated through MTT, crystal violet, and trypan blue assays. For the assessment of differentiation potential, ELISA and Immunocytochemistry of HNF4α and ASGPR1 were performed, for angiogenesis and apoptosis, ELISA of VEGF and p53 were performed. Furthermore, antioxidant enzyme activity was also assessed. Results UC-MSCs preconditioned with FGF and IGF exhibited significantly enhanced viability and reduced cell death, as confirmed by MTT, crystal violet, trypan blue assays, and ELISA of VEGF and P53. ELISA and immunocytochemistry of HNF4α and ASGPR1 demonstrated marked upregulation of these hepatic markers in the preconditioned groups. The gene expression analysis confirmed superior regenerative potential in the FGF+IGF-treated group. Antioxidative analysis further validated a higher level of antioxidative potential in preconditioned cells. Conclusion Preconditioned UC-MSCs offer a promising cellbased alternative to liver transplantation by enhancing regeneration, reducing apoptosis, promoting angiogenesis and increasing antioxidant defense in damaged liver tissue.