The role of stem cells in liver injury and repair.

The role of stem cells in liver injury and repair. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2019 May 16;: Authors: Boyd A, Newsome P, Lu WY Abstract INTRODUCTION: Liver disease is an increasing cause of worldwide mortality, and currently the only curative treatment for end-stage liver disease is whole organ allograft transplantation. Whilst this is an effective treatment, there is a shortage of suitable grafts and consequently some patients die whilst on the waiting list. Cell therapy provides an alternative treatment to increase liver function and potentially ameliorate fibrosis. Areas covered: In this review we discuss the different cellular sources for therapy investigated to date in humans include mature hepatocytes, haematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells and hepatic progenitor cells. Cells investigated in animals include embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells and directly re-programmed cells. We then appraise the experience and evidence base underlying each cell-type. Expert opinion: We discuss how this field may evolve in the years to come focussing on opportunities to enhance the intrinsic regenerative response with therapeutic targets and cell therapies. Growing expertise in tissue engineering will likely lead to increasingly complex bio-reactors and bio-artificial livers which open a further avenue to restore liver function and delay or prevent the need for transplantation. PMID: 31092049 [PubMed...
Source: Expert Review of Gastroenterology and Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol Source Type: research