Stem Cells Treatment for Patients Suffering from Liver Disorders in India
Liver related issues, like fatty
liver, liver failure, liver cirrhosis etc. are noted to be growing problems and is identified
to be a leading cause of death in many developed countries. Millions of people
worldwide are reported to be affected with liver disorders; according to the
recent investigation through world health organization, it has been estimated
that this increasing number of liver issues can be associated with faulty
routine, wrong eating and drinking habits, stress as well as sedentary life
style. Conventional
medicine defines only transplant as the ultimate option; however, increasing demand of
suitably matched donor organ has created a much longer awaited wait list to get
suitable donor.
However, further discovery of stem cells and the
science of regenerative medicine reveals the possibility of delayed progression
of liver damage and restoration of loss function. Stem cells are the naïve
cells of our body, with the inherent ability to differentiate into cells of
different origin. A characteristic feature of these mighty cells to undergo
unlimited, rapid multiplication make them perfect candidates for further
application in therapeutic arena. Although, embryonic stem cells are proven to be
the most potent candidates for cell based therapy, their adult counterparts
isolated from adult organs, like bone marrow, adipose tissue, etc. are as well
found to be important in transdifferentiation or lineage specific cellular
differentiation. Studies have identified that the fraction isolated from these
autologous sources contain two types of cells, mainly hematopoietic stem cells
and mesenchymal stem cells. Hematopoietic stem cells are thought to create a
perfect niche, suitable for immune regulation, secretion of different growth
factors and induction of resident stem cells to be differentiated into tissue
specific cells. On the contrary, mesenchymal stem cells are identified to be
exhibiting strong anti-inflammatory properties, suitable for further delaying
the progression of cellular degeneration and are as well responsible for
cellular differentiation to desired cell types.
Scientific as well as technological advancements have
allowed easy and safe isolation of these specified stem cells outside the body,
from variety of adult sources with minimally invasive techniques. The stem
cells treatment is supported to work well, because liver is found to be an
active organ, involved in self regeneration. The resident stem cells quota that
is present in liver named to be hepatocytes, are responsible for normal wear
and tear of the liver.
Studies related to endogenous liver stem
cells
and stem cells isolated from adult autologous sources support the predicted
characteristic of stem cells and further declare them to be safe and feasible
for human applications. Although,
the field is rapidly evolving to understand the internal mechanism of liver
failure as well as steps to be implemented to undergo liver regeneration, for
opening new therapeutic avenues for the treatment of liver disorders. It should
as well be understood that stem cells therapy for liver disorders, is a complex
therapeutic module, requiring expert’s advice and support for the same. The
ethical, legal and social issues, associated with liver regeneration should
never be overlooked, with the perception that science should be utilized as
mean for hope and not the harm.
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