Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - National Institute of Laser and Enhanced Sciences - Department of Laser Sciences and Interactions

The therapeutic effects of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) exposed to diode laser and/or hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were compared in mice with experimental liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetra chloride (CCl₄).Animal model ofliver cirrhosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ in a dose of 0.4 ml/kg, twice a week for 6 weeks. UC-MSCs were obtained from normal full term placentas and were exposed to diode laser of wavelength 650 nm with power 200 mW and/or with the applica-tion of HGF. Before treatment, UC-MSCs were labelled with red fluorescent PKH26. Fifty four male mice weighing 25-35 g were randomly divided into four groups; control, stem cells, CCl₄, and treated groups. After the experimental period, body and liver weights were recorded, and the liver specimens were processed for histological examination using Hematoxylin and Eosin, Periodic acidschiff (PAS), and Masson{u2019}s trichrome staining (MT). Results showed that administration of UC-MSCs stimulated by diode laser and/or HGF im-proved body and liver weights, reduced vascular dilatation and congestion, reduced mononuclear cellular infiltration, reduced hepatocyte vacuolation, eosinophilia, and pyknosis. Furthermore, peri-portal fibrosis was minimized and PAS reaction was increased. These effects were maximum when UC-MSCs were exposed to both diode laser and HGF.UC-MSCs stimulated by both diode laser and HGF proved to be an effective therapeutic option in experimental liver fibrosis induced by CCl₄ in mice

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