Immunomodulatory Activity of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor and its Therapeutic Effect on Liver Failure

Abstract

Liver failure is characterized by the rapid deterioration of liver function, often accompanied by ascites, coagulation dysfunction, hepatic encephalopathy, and other critical complications. Owing to the complex multifaceted pathogenesis and consequential clinical manifestations of the disease, liver failure displays poor prognosis and warrants comprehensive clinical treatment and management. Liver transplantation remains the only well-established treatment for liver failure. However, several factors including transplantation cost and low organ donation rates limit the rate of liver transplantation. The development of a suitable therapy for liver failure is a significant challenge and remains a cause of concern for the medical world. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), a member of the cytokine family of hematopoietic growth factors, is involved in the migration of hematopoietic stem cells into the damaged liver, and effectuates their dedifferentiation into hepatocytes. Liver regeneration involves a complex crosstalk of multiple cell types, including hepatocytes, endothelial cells, and inflammatory cells. Neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages that present different types of innate immune cells were found to play a crucial role in the progression of inflammation and restoration of the liver tissue. G-CSF, known as the most common used cytokine, may also affect these immune cells by combining G-CSF receptors on their surface. The immunomodulatory activity of G-CSF should be studied and described in order to ascertain its therapeutic effect on liver failure.