Therapeutic Strategies of Stem Cell Transplantation for Liver Cirrhosis

Abstract

Liver transplantation is widely regarded as the most effective therapy for end-stage liver diseases. However, stem cell-based therapy is being developed as a promising strategy which offers a number of benefits as it is minimally invasive and associated with low immunogenicity and low cost. This paper will review the major clinical issues surrounding the use of stem cell therapy for managing cirrhosis, such as discussing the selection of appropriate subtypes of bone marrow stem cells and the need for pre-differentiation into hepatocyte-like cells prior to transplantation, and providing an overview of the methods to improve cell viability and to prevent the exacerbation of cirrhosis. The role of human umbilical cord blood stem cells and amniotic epithelial cells for the treatment of liver disease will be also introduced.

Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Liver Cirrhosis

“…Because EPCs share some characteristics of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), the indications for their treatment can be referred to HSCs [4]. However, some studies suggested that EPCs not only activate hepatic stellate cells to participate in the formation of fibrosis [5], but also contribute to sinusoidal endothelial vascular proliferation and promote liver fibrosis, thus aggravating portal hypertension [6].…”