Serum levels of stem cell factor and thrombopoietin are markedly decreased in fulminant hepatic failure patients with a poor prognosis

Abstract

These results suggest that low serum levels of SCF and TPO may be linked to poor prognosis in patients with severe liver injury.

Serum levels of platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB and vascular endothelial growth factor as prognostic factors for patients with fulminant hepatic failure

“…Platelet release angiogenic factors such as PDGF‐BB and VEGF 14,15 . In FHF patients, platelet counts and serum thrombopoietin levels are decreased 16 . Thrombopoietin, produced primarily in the liver but also in the bone marrow and kidney, binds to the thrombopoietin receptor expressed on the surface of stem cells, megakaryocyte progenitor cells, megakaryocytes, and platelets 17 .…”

“…14,15 In FHF patients, platelet counts and serum thrombopoietin levels are decreased. 16 Thrombopoietin, produced primarily in the liver but also in the bone marrow and kidney, binds to the thrombopoietin receptor expressed on the surface of stem cells, megakaryocyte progenitor cells, megakaryocytes, and platelets. 17 Thrombopoietin regulates the development and maturation of megakaryocytes and subsequent release of platelets.…”

Acute Liver Failure: Mechanisms of Hepatocyte Injury and Regeneration

“…Hematopoietic bone marrow stem cells have not been shown to play a significant role in hepatocyte regeneration for injuries following loss of parenchymal cells such as ALF, 47,48 although there are reports that infusions of autologous stem cells produced improved synthetic function and survival in both rat and human ALF. 35,49 Bone marrow cells do have the potential to differentiate into a liver-cell lineage, 50 and could be a potential target for salvage therapy in fulminant liver failure.…”

Stem Cell Mobilization Is Life Saving in an Animal Model of Acute Liver Failure

“…Interestingly, levels were lowest in the group of ALF patients that had the worst eventual outcomes. 16 Augmenting the release of marrow bound stem cells has been well studied and optimized for utilization in a very different group of patients who donate via pheresis for subsequent HSC auto transplantation after chemoablation of their lymphoma or myeloma. Meanwhile, efforts to augment liver recovery from injury with stem cells has thus far focused on provision of exogenous stem cells with success demonstrable in some animal models.…”