The therapeutic potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on hepatic cirrhosis

Abstract

Hepatic cirrhosis is the end-stage of chronic liver diseases. The majority of patients with hepatic cirrhosis die from life-threatening complications occurring at their earlier ages. Liver transplantation has been the most effective treatment for these patients. Since liver transplantation is critically limited by the shortage of available donor livers, searching for an effective alternative therapy has attracted great interest in preclinical studies. The transplantation of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells holds great potential for treating hepatic cirrhosis. Mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate to hepatocytes, stimulate the regeneration of endogenous parenchymal cells, and enhance fibrous matrix degradation. Experimental and clinical studies have shown promising beneficial effects. This review is intended to translate the bench study results to the patients' bedside. The potential interventions of mesenchymal stem cells on cirrhosis are illustrated in terms of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of hepatic fibrogenesis.

The ameliorative role of cranberry extract and bone marrow cells against chlorambucil cytotoxicity in rat fertility

“…Cranberry extract has a great ability to inhibit more than 50% of prostate cancer, where polyphenols fraction is the most effective cranberry component against prostate tumor (Seeram et al, 2004). Bone marrow transplantation is considered a useful method that helps in body treatment from malignance tumor as they contain both mesenchymal stem cells that is able to differentiate various types of body cells like hepatic cells (Dai et al, 2009). …”

Infusion of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells effectively relieves liver cirrhosis in DEN-induced rats

“…Currently, the underlying mechanisms of MSCs for treating liver cirrhosis have not been fully elucidated (24,25). Previous studies have suggested that the ability of MSCs to differentiate into hepatocytes occurs during the liver recovery process, as engrafted human MSCs can express human α-fetoprotein, ALB and cytokeratin-18 (10,14,26).…”

“…By contrast, opposing results have been obtained which reject this theory (17). Additionally, other mechanisms, including paracrine effects have been studied (24,25). It has been demonstrated that MSCs can secrete a variety of bioactive cytokines or growth factors, including interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, hepatocyte growth factor and nerve growth factor, to induce apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (the major source of fibrillar collagens) and consequently facilitate the regeneration of the liver (26)(27)(28)(29).…”

Liver Stem Cells Derived from the Bone Marrow and Umbilical Cord Blood

“…BM samples can be obtained from living donors or from the recipients themselves with a moderately invasive procedure. There is no problem with limited donors, which a problem that has greatly restricted liver and hepatocyte transplantations (7). Based on their ability for self-renewal, the amplification of BM stem cells can be performed.…”