Human Menstrual Blood-Derived Stem Cells Ameliorate Liver Fibrosis in Mice by Targeting Hepatic Stellate Cells via Paracrine Mediators.

ABSTRACT: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may have potential applications in regenerative medicine for the treatment of chronic liver diseases (CLDs). Human menstrual blood is a novel source of MSCs, termed menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs). Compared with bone marrow MSCs, MenSCs exhibit a higher proliferation rate and they can be obtained through a simple, safe, painless procedure without ethical concerns. Although the therapeutic efficacy of MenSCs has been explored in some diseases, their effects on liver fibrosis are still unclear. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of MenSC transplantation in a carbon tetrachloride-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis. These results revealed that MenSCs markedly improved liver function, attenuated collagen deposition, and inh

SUBMITTER: Chen L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5442725 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature