Chronic liver disease (CLD) develops slowly over time, resulting in substantial liver damage. The natural regeneration ability of the liver is rendered insufficient as the disease advances to cirrhosis. As a result, organs suffer from irreversible structural and functional decline.
Treating liver cirrhosis is challenging, as the current treatment modalities focus on treating the causative factors. Current treatment modalities are focused towards symptomatic benefits, but cannot target reversal or delayed progression. At the end-stage liver failure, organ transplantation remains the only viable option. However, the procedure is costly and delayed due to a donor shortage.
Stem cell treatment for liver damage addresses these concerns. It modifies the cellular pathways triggered by causative factors while also promoting tissue regeneration. This dual approach effectively treats CLD and restores its original structure and function.
Chronic Liver Disease (CLD)
CLD begins with liver injury caused by factors such as infections, excessive alcohol consumption, immune system dysfunction, or fat accumulation. The injury triggers repair pathways that stimulate immune cell migration to the injury site, cell proliferation, and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). The proteins in ECM are different from those naturally present in ECM and lead to hardening of the tissue.
The dysregulation in the repair pathways, however, initiates a signaling cascade of excessive accumulation of ECM and inflammation. The resultant tissue hardening reduces the original flexibility of the organ, which negatively impacts its functioning. Fibrosis occurs as a result from the accumulation of new ECM throughout the organ. Minor injury is reversible, but when it progresses to cirrhosis, the damage is irreparable. The following are typical signs of chronic liver disease (CLD):
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal swelling and pain
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting blood
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Muscle loss
- Spider veins
- Kidney dysfunction
- Cognitive Impairment
- Itchiness in the skin
Stem Cell Treatment for Chronic Liver Disease (CLD)
Stem cells are precursors to the body’s cells and are therefore capable of forming various specialized cell types. This ability allows them to replenish the cells lost during injury. Thus, scientists have employed them for therapeutic purposes. Research has revealed that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) treat CLD by following these pathways:
- Immunomodulation: MSCs secrete factors like IL-10, HGF, galectins, PGE2, HLA-G, nitric oxide, etc., which alter the immune response in favor of the reparative process and increase regulatory T lymphocytes that control autoimmune activity.
- Anti-inflammation: By increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and lowering the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, MSCs create an environment that suppresses inflammation.
- Anti-fibrotic activity: MSCs inhibit the activation of ECM-producing cells while also promoting their senescence. MSCs also secrete enzymes that break down excess ECM in order to reinstate the normal organ structure.
- Cell regeneration: MSCs can transform into liver cells and release growth factors such as IGF, VEGF, HGF, and KGF that stimulate the proliferation of surviving liver cells. Both processes enhance regeneration and repair damage.
Clinical Evidence
The multiple benefits of MSCs, such as availability and painless extraction, have led to their application in numerous clinical trials in CLD patients. Additionally, their use does not raise ethical issues. Umbilical cord and bone marrow are the two primary sources of MSCs frequently used in these studies.
- A Phase II clinical trial led by Suk KT et al. showed that MSC infusion improved liver structure and function in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, along with a reduction in disease severity.
- These studies demonstrated the absence of serious adverse events due to the therapy, thus supporting the safety of MSC therapy. A study even followed up with patients six years after MSC treatment and found that improvements in liver function were sustained with prolonged survival in patients. The study also reported that patients did not show any tumor formation or other long-term complications.
Despite these encouraging outcomes, MSC therapy is not yet included in standard treatment due to the lack of standard treatment protocols, such as optimal dosages and administration routes.
Stem Cell Treatment for Liver Cirrhosis in India
Several countries are investing in stem cell research, with India being one of them. The government has established research institutes dedicated to regenerative medicine. The Indian government has also provided substantial funding in this field. Private sectors are also contributing to research. Together, they are fostering an ecosystem for the growth of regenerative medicine. India has thus elevated its expertise in stem cell therapy. Furthermore, advanced medical technology, world-class infrastructure, and expert clinicians promote this area. Therefore, at a global level, patients prefer to visit India for stem cell treatment available at much lower costs than in other countries.
Advancells is a key contributor to this ecosystem. It manufactures and delivers high-quality, ethically sourced MSCs. The company has built trust in the Indian market by strictly following GMP guidelines within an ISO-certified laboratory. It has also integrated a team of qualified scientists with experience in regenerative medicine. Over the years, Advancells has accelerated the progress of stem cell treatment for liver cirrhosis in India.
Liver Patient Success Stories
Emerging Advances in the Treatment of Liver Cirrhosis
In addition to stem cell therapy, several new therapies are in the pipeline for the treatment of cirrhosis. They have shown promising results in the initial research.
Exosomes: Cells secrete these tiny vesicles, or exosomes, to facilitate intercellular communication. They contain biomolecules that alter the signaling and cellular response. They are under investigation as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of liver damage. However, MSC-derived exosomes have recently drawn interest due to their regenerative biomolecule cargo. This cargo exerts effects similar to those of MSCs and can therefore be used as a cell-free alternative to stem cell therapy. Early research on animal models suggests that MSC-exosomes reduce fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in cells through their miRNAs.
Liver Organoids: Stem cells or liver cells can form 3D tissue structures or liver organoids. Their development aimed at scientific research and drug screening. However, increasing demand for liver transplantation and the shortage of donors have redirected the initial purpose of these organoids. Now, researchers are attempting to transplant these organoids as a potential alternative to organ transplant. Animal studies have shown that transplantation of these organoids can improve liver function, promote regeneration, and prolong the survival period in models of liver failure.
Conclusion
CLD is a prominent cause of mortality worldwide owing to the multitude of causative factors. Still, the current treatments only slow or halt the disease progression rather than offering a cure. Stem cell treatment for liver damage is shifting this treatment approach to a regenerative solution. It addresses the underlying disease processes while also promoting tissue repair. The clinical trials have proved the potential of this therapy and also demonstrated the apparent absence of complications from it. With the ability to increase survival period and notably improve the quality of life, this treatment alternative is rapidly moving forward. While further optimization of treatment protocols will lead to its adoption in mainstream treatment, ongoing research continues to search for more innovative therapies. Over the years, Advancells has been propelling the pace of regenerative treatment for liver cirrhosis with its high-quality stem cells, because we understand and care about patients.
FAQs:-
Q – What is chronic liver disease (CLD)?
Liver disease can cause damage either rapidly in a few days or slowly over the years. The gradual tissue destruction is referred to as CLD.
Q – How does CLD cause irreversible liver damage?
CLD causes excessive accumulation of the extracellular matrix, which reduces the organ’s flexibility, resulting in damage. In the initial phase, it is reparable. However, as the ECM spreads, the organ damage becomes irreversible, progressing to cirrhosis.
Q – How do stem cells treat CLD or liver cirrhosis?
Stem cells act on the pathways that lead to liver damage, such as inflammation and immune regulation. Furthermore, they repair the existing damage by inducing repair pathways, thus restoring the liver to its original structure and function.
Q – Is stem cell therapy effective?
Yes, many clinical trials have claimed the effectiveness of stem cell therapy and demonstrated that it doesn’t lead to complications.
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