Adult Stem Cell Therapy in Chronic Liver Diseases

The transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represents a potentially effective therapy for chronic liver diseases. The potential of MSCs in the treatment of chronic liver disease is based on their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types including hepatocytes, their immunosuppressive properties, and their ability to secrete various trophic factors. This potential has been investigated in clinical and pre-clinical studies. Although the therapeutic mechanisms of MSC transplantation are still not fully characterized, accumulating evidence has revealed that various trophic factors secreted by MSCs play key therapeutic roles in regeneration. These trophic factors not only reduce inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis in damaged tissues but also stimulate angiogenesis and tissue regeneration in the impaired liver. In this review, we summarize the basic and therapeutic properties of MSCs, their therapeutic mechanisms of action, and potential transplantation routes for the treatment of chronic liver disease. We also discuss several risks associated with the use of MSCs in therapy, such as their fibrogenic potential and capacity to promote pre-existing tumor cell growth.