Stem Cell Therapy for Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Cases
Liver fibrosis is a chronic and progressive condition characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (细胞外基质) in response to chronic liver injury. It can lead to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, necessitating liver transplantation. 干细胞治疗 has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for liver fibrosis, 提供疾病改变和再生的潜力.
Etiology and Pathogenesis of Liver Fibrosis
Liver fibrosis is caused by various chronic liver diseases, 包括病毒性肝炎, 非酒精性脂肪肝 (非酒精性脂肪肝), 和自身免疫性肝炎. Hepatic stellate cells (造血干细胞) play a central role in the fibrotic process. In response to liver injury, HSCs become activated and differentiate into myofibroblasts, which produce excessive ECM components, 导致纤维化.
Role of Stem Cells in Liver Regeneration
Stem cells have the capacity for self-renewal and differentiation into various cell types. 在肝脏中, stem cells are present in the canals of Hering and the bone marrow. These cells can differentiate into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, 肝脏的功能细胞, contributing to liver regeneration.
Preclinical Models of Liver Fibrosis and Stem Cell Therapy
Animal models of liver fibrosis have been used to evaluate the therapeutic potential of 干细胞疗法. Studies have shown that bone marrow-derived stem cells (骨髓间充质干细胞) can migrate to the injured liver, differentiate into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, and attenuate fibrosis. BMSCs have also been found to inhibit HSC activation and promote ECM degradation.
