07.02.2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), previously known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is a liver disease characterized by inflammation and scarring, reaching epidemic proportions with an estimated 1.5 percent to 6.5 percent of U.S. adults affected.

Roughly 24 percent of adults suffer from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can progress to MASH or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Image: A stained micrograph of 3D primary human liver cell tissue modeling MASH. Areas of fibrosis are indicated in blue; Copyright: Viscient Biosciences

This 3D bioprinted liver tissue model holds great promise for advancing liver disease research and potentially leading to the development of effective treatments for MASH.

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A recent study published in The American Journal of Pathology by researchers from Sanford Burnham Prebys, Viscient Biosciences, UC San Diego, and Salk Institute introduces a groundbreaking 3D bioprinted liver tissue model using cells from healthy and MASH-diseased donors.

Currently, there are no approved pharmacological therapies for MASH due in part to a lack of suitable preclinical models for research and testing. This innovative bioprinted liver tissue model offers a promising solution.

High-fidelity in vitro human primary cell model

The 3D bioprinted liver tissue model utilizes cells from MASH patients, enabling the generation of the disease within the bioprinted tissue without artificial disease-inducing agents. The model features a mix of primary liver cells and supporting non-parenchymal liver cells, creating 3D tissues derived from patient cells with fibrosis—a key characteristic of MASH. Fibrosis results in liver scarring and dysfunction, potentially leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Uncovering disease pathology

This groundbreaking model sheds light on the underlying pathology of MASH and highlights the roles of hepatic stellate and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in the disease process. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for identifying potential therapeutic targets and drug discovery.

By offering a fully human system with the potential to detect clinically active targets and therapies, this 3D bioprinted liver tissue model holds great promise for advancing liver disease research and potentially leading to the development of effective treatments for MASH.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Elsevier

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