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Therapeutic hepatocyte transplant for inherited metabolic disorders: functional considerations, recent outcomes and future prospects

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Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease

Abstract

The applications, outcomes and future strategies of hepatocyte transplantation (HTx) as a corrective intervention for inherited metabolic disease (IMD) are described. An overview of HTx in IMDs, as well as preclinical evaluations in rodent and other mammalian models, is summarized. Current treatments for IMDs are highlighted, along with short- and long-term outcomes and the potential for HTx to supplement or supplant these treatments. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of HTx are presented, highlighted by long-term challenges with interorgan engraftment and expansion of transplanted cells, in addition to the future prospects of stem cell transplants. At present, the utility of HTx is represented by the potential to bridge patients with life-threatening liver disease to organ transplantation, especially as an adjuvant intervention where severe organ shortages continue to pose challenges.

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Abbreviations

AGT:

Alanine glyoxylate transaminase

APOLT:

Auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplant

ASL:

Argininosuccinate lyase

ASS:

Argininosuccinate synthetase

BCAA:

Branched-chain amino acids

BCKA:

Branched-chain keto acids

BCKDH:

Branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase complex

CNSI:

Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I

CPSI:

Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I

FAH:

Fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase deficiency (tyrosinemia type I)

GSD:

Glycogen storage disease

GI:

Gastrointestinal

HDL:

High density lipoprotein

HGF:

Hepatic growth factor

HTx:

Hepatocyte transplantation

KIC:

α-Ketoisocaproic acid

LDL:

Low density lipoprotein

MSUD:

Maple syrup urine disease

NAGS:

N-acetylglutamate synthetase

OLT:

Orthotopic liver transplantation

OTC:

Ornithine transcarbamylase

PFIC:

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis

PHE:

Phenylalanine

PH:

Primary Hyperoxaluria

PKU:

Phenylketonuria

UGT:

Bilirubin-UDP-glucuronosyl transferase

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Authors

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Correspondence to K. Michael Gibson.

Additional information

Communicated by: Jerry Vockley

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Vogel, K.R., Kennedy, A.A., Whitehouse, L.A. et al. Therapeutic hepatocyte transplant for inherited metabolic disorders: functional considerations, recent outcomes and future prospects. J Inherit Metab Dis 37, 165–176 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10545-013-9656-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10545-013-9656-5

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