Stem Cell Treatment for Liver Disease | Dr. David Greene R3 Stem Cell

Liver disease is increasingly a severe cause of death for more people each year due to its rising prevalence. Each year, it claims the lives of more than 33,500 persons in the United States alone. Unfortunately, there have been several issues with earlier treatments for sick or injured livers. Treatments are usually rare, expensive, or have a major detrimental impact on a patient's quality of life. As stem cell therapies advance, patients with liver disease have a road to recovery.

Stem Cell Therapy for Liver Disease

Numerous studies have shown how important mesenchymal stem cells are for liver healing. The early efficacy and safety of these treatments have been further proven by experts like Dr. David Greene R3 Stem Cell. In 2022 and beyond, stem cell-based therapies will become a viable option for treating liver problems.

According to recent research, stem cells are reliable and effective. However, the best methods for treating liver disease are currently unclear, nor is it recognized how stem cell development and differentiation are managed.

We know stem cells' many abilities, including their capacity for tissue repair, immunomodulation, and differentiation.

Can Stem Cell Therapy Treat Liver Cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is characterized by internal liver inflammation and eventual hepatic impairment. The most important risk factors for liver cirrhosis include alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis B or C, and metabolic issues.

While some liver tissue can naturally regenerate, the only proven treatment for end-stage liver disease is a whole liver transplant.

A liver transplant is, unfortunately, highly expensive, there may be a shortage of appropriate donors, and there is a possibility that the patient's body may reject the organ.

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy is an option for treatment. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can repair liver damage and have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antioxidative stress activities, all of which may improve organ function after developing into new types of functional liver cells.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)

Mesenchymal stem cells considerably boost energy metabolism and antioxidant levels in severe liver injuries while significantly lowering inflammatory factor production, immune cell infiltration, and hepatocyte apoptosis (liver cell death).

Inflammatory signals push immune cells to adopt an anti-inflammatory phenotype at the cellular level by promoting MSC proliferation and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition, according to a study by specialists like Dr. David Greene R3 Stem Cell. They also inhibit HSC differentiation into fibrogenic myofibroblasts.

Stem Cell Liver Disease Study Shows Positive Results

Despite the limited quantity of data that is now available and the fact that the tests are still in progress, the research used 11 clinical studies to examine the usage of stem cells in patients with damaged livers. According to actual research, stem cells were proven to be a safe technique for treating liver failure, and all of the results were promising.

The results included quantitative efforts to increase liver function, enhance life quality, and decrease mortality and morbidity. The studies also found a significant decline in the MELD score (The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease), which measures the probability of mortality in individuals with liver disease.

What Does the Future Look Like 

Despite the difficulty of treating liver disease, stem cell technologies have provided patients with a bright future. Even if positive treatment outcomes are continually being recorded, some patients believe that a transplant is not required and is a sufficient cause for considering further treatment.

Numerous patient recovery stories didn't require transplants already. Stem cells provide patients with an affordable and long-term alternative, as transplant costs reach $150,000 in the first year after treatment.