Stem Cell Transplantation In Liver Diseases

Stem cells are primal cells found in all multi-cellular organisms. They are present in a variety of organs including the bone marrow. Stem cells have the capacity to renew themselves, generate progeny and differentiate into a diverse range of specialized cell types, thereby achieve long term tissue reconstitution. Stem cell transplantation therapies, in comparison to whole organ transplant, could be achieved as a minimally invasive procedure with potentially fewer complications in critically ill patients. Stem cell transplantation could offer a potentially unlimited source of cells for hepatocyte replacement and, therefore, might be superior to whole organ transplantation.

Autorentext

Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt.