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Stem Cell Therapy for Liver Cirrhosis Treatment: Cell Types, Their Benefits And Trials

Author: Vaishnav Kumar
by Vaishnav Kumar
Posted: Aug 17, 2017

Failure of the liver to repair itself results into a fatal condition known as liver cirrhosis, and presently patients go through liver transplant to manage this condition. The causes of this disease are many but cure is limited. In livercirrhosis, scar tissues take the place of healthy tissues leading to improper functioning of the liver. Earlier this condition was considered irreversible, but Stem Cell Therapy has changed the fate of this condition, like many other degenerative disorders. Several trials in this field have shown that using stem cells for Liver Cirrhosis Treatment can be effective and even safe, but research is still needed in this direction to prove complete safety and efficacy of Stem Cell Therapy for Liver Cirrhosis Treatment.

Occurrence of liver cirrhosis and basic theory behind the use of stem cells

Livercirrhosis happens when liver fibrosis progresses and the injury persists overtime. In liver fibrosis, hepatic architecture is distorted because of excessive collagen buildup. Now, hepatocyte cells in an affected liver still have regenerative capabilities but the disparity between fibrosis and regeneration leads to biochemical damage to liver. The question that arises at this point is whether enhancing hepatocyte cells can alone provide benefit to the patient, and whether this can solve the problem of fibrotic tissue, which exists in huge numbers. The theory of Stem Cell Therapy that the researchers are working on is to create a working section by infusing stem cells that can restore the functions of the liver.

Use of different kind of cells

The use of stem cells for Liver Cirrhosis Treatment depends on the benefits and drawbacks of different cell types. Out of all the different kinds of stem cells used in Stem Cell Therapy, hematopoietic cells are most widely used for trials. These are extracted from the bone marrow and these can be derived from either cytokine mobilized or umbilical blood. Although, such stem cells are considered restricted to cell lineages in hematopoietic system but positive results achieved with these cells have made them a preferable choice for Liver Cirrhosis Treatment. Mesenchymal stem cells have of late attracted attention around the world due to their self renewal characteristic. Trials have given evidence that these cells can differentiate to become hepatocyte like stem cells making them another choice for treating liver diseases. Researchers have also studied Hepatic Progenitor Cells, which exist innately in liver. These cells can be extracted from blood of the umbilical cord, so transplant of such cells have also been considered as an option for treating liver failure.

Adipose tissue cells also a consideration

Stem cells derived from adipose tissues have also been tested for Liver Cirrhosis Treatment. When transplanted in animal models affected with severe liver injury, it has shown improvement in functioning of the liver. Researchers have shown that stem cells derived from adipose tissues were differentiated to become hepatocytes in a period of a few days and these were also able to attain the functionalities of human hepatocytes. After transplantation, indicators showing injury to the liver like aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and even ammonia reduced. This shows that such cells have special likeness to regenerate in vivo and become hepatocyte cells in vitro.

Positive results shows promising future

With all the positive results and tests researchers can overcome the complications with traditional Liver Cirrhosis Treatment. Less number of donors makes liver transplant a very difficult affair, and this also a risk of immonusuppression and rejection in liver transplant, but if effectiveness of Stem Cell Therapy based liver cirrhosis is proved then this can be a great achievement in medical science. Scientists are still testing stem cell based therapies on different parameter so that these can be verified as completely safe for clinical application.

To know more about Liver Cirrhosis Treatment and Stem Cell therapy visit our website : giostar.com

About the Author

Working As Digital Marketing Manager At Medic Stem Cells Also Write Content for Different Topics related to Social Issues, Online Marketing & Medical Tourism. https://www.medicastemcells.com/

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Author: Vaishnav Kumar

Vaishnav Kumar

Member since: Mar 25, 2017
Published articles: 48

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