Influence of Bilirubin, Hemin, Zinc Protoporphyrin, Glutathione, Curcumin, and Their Combinations as a Supplement to Support the Viability and Functionality of Pancreas and Liver Cells

Previous experiments have shown different responses of pancreas and liver cells to the culture medium. It has been revealed that the most important step in preserving primary pancreas and liver cells is selecting the appropriate supplements to support the viability and functionality of these cells.

Cultivation supplements were prepared by adding bilirubin, hemin, zinc protoporphyrin, glutathione, curcumin, and their combination in the pancreas and liver cell culture at a concentration of 1, 3, and 5 μM. Then, the survival rate and function of the pancreas and liver cells were evaluated. The function of pancreas cells was evaluated based on producing insulin and the function of liver cells was based on liver enzymes, including transaminases.

We found that bilirubin, hemin, zinc protoporphyrin, curcumin, glutathione, and their combination as supplements can dose-dependently maintain pancreas and liver cells viability and functionality proven by increasing insulin secretion levels and transaminase enzyme activity. The strength of effects is displayed in the following order: bilirubin > combination of all compounds > hemin > zinc protoporphyrin > curcumin > glutathione.

This study shows that these compounds are suitable supplements with special biochemical properties. They provide optimal supplements for the culture media of pancreas and liver cells. They may fulfill a function in the antioxidant protection of pancreas and liver cells.