The liver is a vital organ in the human body that plays a critical role in detoxification, metabolism, and synthesis of essential proteins. However, liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer can compromise its function and cause severe damage. Current allopathic medical treatments for liver diseases are limited, and in severe cases, liver transplantation is the only option. However, this procedure is costly, complex, and often associated with complications. Therefore, there is a need for alternative therapies, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a very promising treatment.
Where do the stem cells come from?
Umbilical cord-derived stem cells are multipotent stem cells that have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, including hepatocytes, the main functional cells of the liver. They can also secrete a range of growth factors, cytokines, and anti-inflammatory molecules that can stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. These properties make this type of stem cell therapy an attractive therapeutic option for liver diseases.
One of the main advantages of using MSCs for liver disease treatment is their ability to home to the liver. Studies have shown that when MSCs are introduced into the bloodstream, they migrate to the liver and engraft into the damaged tissue. Once there, they can differentiate into hepatocytes and integrate into the existing liver tissue, promoting liver regeneration. These stem cells also secrete growth factors that stimulate the proliferation of existing hepatocytes, further enhancing liver repair.
What is the cost of stem cell therapy for liver disease?
What else do stem cells do for your liver?
In addition to promote liver regeneration, MSCs can also modulate the immune response, which is important in liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
In these conditions, the liver is exposed to toxins, viruses, and other harmful agents, which can trigger an inflammatory response. This response can cause further damage to the liver tissue and impair its function.
MSCs can modulate this response by secreting anti-inflammatory cytokines and promoting the expansion of regulatory T cells, which suppress the immune response. By doing so, MSCs can reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the liver.
MSCs have been tested in clinical trials for liver disease treatment. In phase I/II clinical trial, published in the Journal of Hepatology, researchers injected MSCs into patients with liver cirrhosis. They observed that the MSCs migrated to the liver and improved liver function. The treatment was well tolerated, and no adverse effects were reported.
What happens if you do not properly treat liver disease?
Left untreated liver disease can affect many of the other organs in your body. It also can develop into an infection, internal bleeding, electrolyte deficiencies, and more. One of the more serious conditions that can occur because of liver disease is Ascites. This condition is a significant build of fluid in the abdomen. 44% of people that develop Ascites expire within one year.
Life expectancy is approximately 9 to 12 years from the onset of liver disease. It is also important to note that the patient’s quality of life is diminished considerably. Liver disease left untreated shortens life and makes life less enjoyable for the individual. We have had great success treating patients with stem cell therapy.
Stem cell therapy using MSCs has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for liver disease treatment. It can promote liver regeneration, modulate the immune response, and improve liver function. Call us and explore if stem cell therapy may be a viable option for you.