Liver Stem Cell Treatments

There are still several issues when it comes to implanting stem cells in human livers, and scientists say that current problems have been related to immunological reactions against the cells as well as difficulty with how to introduce the stem cells into the liver. However now a novel protein marker has been found that identifies rare adult liver stem cells, whose ability to regenerate injured liver tissue has the potential for cell-replacement therapy.

In the United States, Dr. Fausto and his team of research scientists are trying to identify stem cells in human livers that could be used to help people with liver failure. They are hoping to find a cell that is a stem cell for the liver, and to inject those cells and repopulate livers that have been injured. "The idea is if you could have cells that could be introduced into the patient, it could either be a permanent solution to help the liver regenerate itself or at least serve as a bridge until transplantation can be done" says Dr. Fausto.

Read more...