Regenerative Medicine of Liver: Promises, Advances and Challenges

Abstract

Liver tissue engineering is a rapidly developing field which combines the novel use of liver cells, appropriate biochemical factors, and engineering principles, in order to replace or regenerate damaged liver tissue or the organ. The aim of this review paper is to critically investigate different possible methods to tackle issues related with liver diseases/disorders mainly using regenerative medicine. In this work the various regenerative treatment options are discussed, for improving the prognosis of chronic liver disorders. By reviewing existing literature, it is apparent that the current popular treatment option is liver transplantation, although the breakthroughs of stem cell-based therapy and bioartificial liver technology make them a promising alternative.

Advances in the application of regenerative medicine in prevention of post-endoscopic submucosal dissection for esophageal stenosis

“…Regenerative medicine has been widely applied in the research of liver diseases, [ 71 ] neurodegenerative diseases, [ 72 ] colorectal pathologies, [ 73 ] cardiac repair, [ 74 ] tendon healing, [ 75 ] and so on. The key concept of regenerative medicine is to stimulate and support the body’s own self-healing capacity by cell-based biomaterials (cell suspension, cell sheets, ECM scaffold, etc .).…”

Recent Advances in Liver Tissue Engineering as an Alternative and Complementary Approach for Liver Transplantation

“…Some of the diseases are life-threatening diseases, for which a liver transplant is the only resolution (Figure 2). In developed countries, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease [4]. An excess accumulation of fat in the hepatocytes promotes steatosis and ultimately leads to hepatocyte apoptosis [5].…”

“…The virus is spread through exposure to blood; it multiplies once it enters the hepatocytes by receptor-mediated endocytosis. In the majority of infected persons, the condition becomes lethargic, resulting in progressing liver damage [4]. The virus can cause hepatitis in both chronic and acute forms.…”

“…Hepatitis B virus (HBV) or HCV infections contribute to most of the HCC conditions worldwide [7]. The HCC condition leads to In developed countries, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease [4]. An excess accumulation of fat in the hepatocytes promotes steatosis and ultimately leads to hepatocyte apoptosis [5].…”

“…The accumulation of copper in the liver results in mild hepatitis or even cirrhosis. The symptoms are visible, gradually following the accumulation of copper in organs like the liver and brain [4].…”