Mesenchymal Stem Cell–Derived Exosomes in Various Chronic Liver Diseases: Hype or Hope?

Abstract

Chronic liver conditions are associated with high mortality rates and have a large adverse effect on human well-being as well as a significant financial burden. Currently, the only effective treatment available for the effects of liver failure and cirrhosis resulting from the progression of several chronic liver diseases is liver transplantation carried out at the original location. This implies that developing novel and effective treatments is imperative. Regenerative medicine has long been associated with stem cell therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a type of cell with great differentiation potential, have become the preferred source for stem cell therapy. According to recent studies, MSCs’ paracrine products—rather than their capacity for differentiation—play a significant therapeutic effect. MSC exosomes, a type of extracellular vesicle (MSC-EV), came into view as the paracrine substances of MSCs. According to research, MSC exosomes can maintain tissue homeostasis, which is necessary for healthy tissue function. All tissues contain them, and they take part in a variety of biological activities that support cellular activity and tissue regeneration in order to preserve tissue homeostasis. The outcomes support the use of MSCs and the exosomes they produce as a therapeutic option for a range of diseases. This review provides a brief overview of the source of MSC-EVs and outlines their physiological roles and biochemical capabilities. The elucidation of the role of MSC-EVs in the recovery and repair of hepatic tissues, as well as their contribution to maintaining tissue homeostasis, is discussed in relation to different chronic liver diseases. This review aims to provide new insights into the unique roles that MSC-EVs play in the treatment of chronic liver diseases.

Unveiling the Potential of Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Nanotools for Gastrointestinal Diseases

“…EVs have emerged as effective targeted drug delivery systems for treating hepatitis, a condition characterized by liver inflammation and damage. Notably, EVs released by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used for liver disease treatment, leading to regeneration in several cases [ 90 ]. For instance, EVs derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (Huc-MSCs) have been employed to treat liver fibrosis by reducing transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) expression and inhibiting liver EMT in vivo.…”