Background. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), isolated from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord tissue, have been known to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. MSCs can also be easily obtained from umbilical cord lining membrane (CLMSCs). CLMSCs are more primitive MSCs than those isolated from other tissue sources.Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate thein vitrodifferentiation of CLMSCs into hepatocyte lineage.Materials and Methods. In this study, CLMSCs were isolated through a tissue attachment method. Cells were characterized for expression of MSC-specific markers and differentiation potency. CLMSCs were induced to differentiate into hepatocytes by a simple two-step protocol. Differentiated cells were examined for the expression of hepatocyte-specific markers and hepatocyte functions.Results. CLMSCs expressed MSC-specific markers and differentiated into adipocytes and osteoblasts. RT-PCR, real-time qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry analyses demonstrated that differentiated CLMSCs, having hepatocyte-like morphology, expressed several liver-specific markers, such as ALB, AFP, CK18, and CK19, at both mRNA and protein levels following hepatocyte differentiation. Furthermore, periodic acid-Schiff staining and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake assay showed that differentiated cells could store glycogen and uptake LDL.Conclusion. This study demonstrated that CLMSCs can differentiate into functional hepatocyte-like cells. CLMSCs can serve as a favorable cell source for tissue engineering in the treatment of liver disease.

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Introduction: Immunological monitoring could indirectly measure the suppressive effects of the drugs and provide early guidance on necessary preventive interventions in transplant recipients. Objectives: Our goal was to determine whether mycophenolic acid (MPA) modulates peripheral blood lymphocyte T in kidney transplant recipients. Patients and Methods: We assessed T lymphocytes CD3, CD4 and CD8 in peripheral blood in 30 donors and 35 recipients one day before and 10 days after transplantation using Becton Dickinson’s direct immune fluorescent light. Results: Comparisons showed that the number of T lymphocytes CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ in peripheral blood of transplant recipients were lower than donors (TCD3 was 1690.31±503.45 versus 2280.73± 522.48; TCD4 was 549.51 ±211.72 cell/µL versus 766.37± 341.72 cell/µL and CD8 was 1134.37 ±431.07 cell/µL versus 1523.4± 349.23 cell/µL with P<0.001; P=0.001 and P= 0.0002 respectively). Additionally, post-transplantation lymphocytes TCD4 decreased in 10/35 of recipients and increased in 22/35 of recipients (P=0.036). Conclusion: The T lymphocytes CD3, CD4 and CD8 in peripheral blood should be monitored at multiple post-transplant times to make early predictions of transplant rejection during follow-up treatment.