The versatility of adipose derived stem cells in liver transplantation: a narrative review

Abstract

Background and Objective: Studies about stem cells in last twenty years have been increased exponentially. The several mechanism of actions which are related to immunomodulatory, regenerations and anti-inflammatory; beneficial effects in clinical and experimental studies have been shown. All these results are also the area of interest and research in liver transplantation. The aim of this review is to analyze the characteristics, functions of stem cells in different aspects of liver transplantation; and to find out possible therapeutic effects of stem cells in wearisome, complicated subjects of liver transplantation depend on the mechanism of actions. Methods: A review of the literature was conducted on MEDLINE, PubMed. Studies were included in English language. Randomized controlled trial, meta analysis, review, case series, clinical and experimental study in stem cell were included. Controversial and complicated subjects of liver transplantation were analysed with the underlying mechanism which are also research of interest of stem cells. Key Content and Findings: It was shown in several in vivo and vitro studies that adipose derived stem cells have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and regenerative capacity. This characteristics have been shown beneficial effects in several transplantation studies. Administration route and amount of stem cells were analysed. Usage of bio-scaffold and perfusion machines with adipose derived stem cells were searched. Conclusions: Anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and regenerative capacity of stem cells have been found both in experimental and clinical transplantation studies with beneficial results. The field of study about stem cells will increase with the development of genetic engineering and bio-scaffold technology. © Digestive Medicine Research. All rights reserved.