Bone marrow-derived stem cells in liver repair: 10 years down the line

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cells have potential in the field of regenerative medicine because of their capacity to form cells of different lineages. Bone marrow stem cells have been shown to contribute to parenchymal liver cell populations, and although this may not be functionally significant, it has sparked interest in the field of autologous stem cell infusion as a possible treatment for cirrhosis. In this review, we will examine the evidence for the contribution of bone marrow-derived cells to populations of liver cells and for the functional contribution of bone marrow-derived cells to both liver fibrosis and repair. The mechanisms by which cells are trafficked from the bone marrow to the liver are complex; the stromal derived factor-1/CXC receptor 4 axis is central to this process. There are limited data in liver injury, but we will examine findings from the bone marrow transplantation literature and discuss their relevance to liver disease. Stromal derived factor-1 also has a role in endogenous liver stem cell accumulation. Some groups have already started infusing autologous bone marrow cells into patients with cirrhosis. We will review these trials in the context of the basic science that we have discussed, and we will consider targets for investigation in the future. Liver Transpl 16:118-129, 2010.

Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Cells: How Do They Contribute to Tissue Repair and Are They Really Stem Cells?

“…In these patients, 5-40% of hepatocytes contained donor-derived Y chromosomes (Petersen et al 1999;Thomas 2000). In addition, the liver tissue with lowest injury level contained fewer bone marrow-derived hepatocytes, whereas the liver tissue with the most severe injury, such as fibrosing cholestatic recurrent hepatitis C, contained the most bone marrowderived hepatocytes (up to 64%) (Gilchrist and Plevris 2010). Several groups have applied bone marrow cells in clinical trials for patients with liver cirrhosis by various Arch.…”

Adult Stem Cell Therapy in Chronic Liver Diseases

“…However, although ESCs have been shown to improve liver function in CCl4-treated mice [3], several issues are associated with their use, such as teratoma formation, ethical issues, and immune rejection problems [16].…”

Stem Cell Therapy for Liver Diseases

“…These cells can be grown in the laboratory: ¾ The cells have a beneficial role in regenerating liver tissue and reversing scarring in the liver. When scarring is reduced, the liver is able to work better [72].…”