Present status and perspectives of cell-based therapies for liver diseases.
In recent years the interest in liver cell therapy has been increasing continuously, since the demand for whole liver transplantations in human beings far outweighs the supply. From the clinical point of view, transplantation of hepatocytes or hepatocyte-like cells may represent an alternative to orthotopic liver transplants in acute liver failure, for the correction of genetic disorders resulting in metabolically deficient states, and for late stage liver disease such as cirrhosis. Although the concept of cell therapy for various diseases of the liver is widely accepted, the practical approach in humans often remains difficult. An international expert panel critically discussed the recent published data on clinical and experimental hepatocyte transplantation and the possible role of stem cells in liver tissue repair. This paper aims to summarise the present status of cell based therapies for liver diseases and to identify areas of future preclinical and clinical research.
Nussler
Andreas
A
Fresenius Biotech Bad Homburg, Division of Cell Therapy, Bad Homburg, Germany. andreas.nuessler@fresenius-biotech.com
Konig
Sarah
S
Ott
Michael
M
Sokal
Etienne
E
Christ
Bruno
B
Thasler
Wolfgang
W
Brulport
Marc
M
Gabelein
Geredn
G
Schormann
Wiebke
W
Schulze
Maren
M
Ellis
Ewa
E
Kraemer
Matthias
M
Nocken
Frank
F
Fleig
Wolfgang
W
Manns
Michael
M
Strom
Steven C
SC
Hengstler
Jan G
JG
D017690:Cell Transplantation / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D017093:Liver Failure / Q000628:therapy; D016031:Liver Transplantation