The establishment of the first ex vivo whole organ model for human liver neoplasms

Background: The incidence of liver neoplasms is on the leading rise worldwide due to lacking exact research model. Accordingly, the resected diseased liver within cancer during liver transplantation was the appropriated model, therefore the aim of this study was to establish the first ex vivo whole organ model for liver neoplasms by using normothermic perfusion system named Life-X system. Materials and Methods: Four diseased livers within cancer resected during liver transplantation were collected for research. The common hepatic artery and portal vein of the ex vivo liver were connected to the Life-X perfusion device that circulated Life-X perfusate providing continuous oxygen and nutrient supply. The flow and pressure of the perfusate was recorded and blood gas analysis was examined to analyze the function of the diseased liver. Liver tissues after perfusion were collected for histological analysis. Results: Experiments showed that the artery and portal vein flow were stable 1h after perfusion and were kept within the physiological range. The results of blood gas analysis demonstrated restoration and maintenance of metabolism. Moreover, the bile production of diseased Case 4 liver represented its vivid functionality during the entire 47h of perfusion. Histology analysis shows little liver injury after the perfusion. Conclusions: Therefore, we have established a powerful tool to research liver neoplasms in vitro through Life-X perfusion system.