Mesenchymal stem cells: potential application for the treatment of hepatic cirrhosis

Stem Cell Res Ther. 2018 Mar 9;9(1):59. doi: 10.1186/s13287-018-0814-4.

Abstract

Nowadays, orthotopic liver transplantation is considered the most efficient approach to the end stage of chronic hepatic cirrhosis. Because of the limitations of orthotopic liver transplantation, stem cells are an attractive therapeutic option. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) especially show promise as an alternative treatment for hepatic cirrhosis in animal models and during clinical trials. Nevertheless, the homing of transplanted MSCs to the liver occurs in limited numbers. Therefore, we review the strategies for enhancing the homing of MSCs, mainly via the delivery routes, optimizing cell culture conditions, stimulating the target sites, and genetic modification.

Keywords: Cirrhosis; Homing; Mesenchymal stem cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Movement
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis / therapy*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*