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Review
. 2015 Sep 28;21(36):10253-61.
doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i36.10253.

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for cirrhosis: Present and future perspectives

Young Woo Eom  1 , Gaeun Kim  1 , Soon Koo Baik  1
Affiliations
Review

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for cirrhosis: Present and future perspectives

Young Woo Eom et al. World J Gastroenterol. .

Abstract

Cirrhosis occurs as a result of various chronic liver injuries, which may be caused by viral infections, alcohol abuse and the administration of drugs and chemicals. Recently, bone marrow cells (BMCs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used for developing treatments for cirrhosis. Clinical trials have investigated the therapeutic potential of BMCs, HSCs and MSCs for the treatment of cirrhosis based on their potential to differentiate into hepatocytes. Although the therapeutic mechanisms of BMC, HSC and MSC treatments are still not fully characterized, the evidence thus far has indicated that the potential therapeutic mechanisms of MSCs are clearer than those of BMCs or HSCs with respect to liver regenerative medicine. MSCs suppress inflammatory responses, reduce hepatocyte apoptosis, increase hepatocyte regeneration, reverse liver fibrosis and enhance liver functionality. This paper summarizes the clinical studies that have used BMCs, HSCs and MSCs in patients with liver failure or cirrhosis. We also present the potential therapeutic mechanisms of BMCs, HSCs and MSCs for the improvement of liver function.

Keywords: Anti-fibrosis; Bone marrow cells; Cell therapy; Cirrhosis; Hematopoietic stem cells; Immune-modulation; Mesenchymal stem cells; Trophic factors.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Potential role of mesenchymal stem cells in cirrhosis. Potential protective mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) include the following: (1) trans-differentiation into hepatocyte-like cells; (2) suppression of immune reactions; (3) secretion of trophic factors to suppress activated hepatic stellate cells and to increase the proliferation of both resident hepatocytes and hepatic progenitor cells; and (4) anti-fibrotic action that results from the regulation of activated hepatic stellate cells and immune cells. Solid lines and dashed lines indicate stimulatory and inhibitory modifications, respectively. The + sign represents tentative stimulatory effects. The shadows represent extracellular matrix (ECM) that is secreted from hepatic stellate cells.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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