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Research progress of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of acute liver failure

Huan Li1,2, Xiaoyu Tang1,2, Jiameng Liu1,2, Wanning Li1,2, Xin Niu1,2, Xingchen Yue1,2, Shangping Fang1,2


1School of Anesthesiology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, Anhui Province, China. 2Anesthesia Laboratory and Training Center, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, Anhui Province, China.


Address correspondence to: Shangping Fang, Anaesthesiology Experimental Training Center, College of Anesthesiology, Wannan Medical College, No. 22 Wenchang West Road, Yijiang District, Wuhu 241002, Anhui Province, China. Tel: +86-19855362767. E-mail: fangshangping0@163.com.


Acknowledgement: This work was supported by Key Project Research Fund of Wannan Medical College (WK2022Z10); Anhui Province College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program Project (S202410368031); Anhui Province College Student Innovation Training Program Project (S202510368032).


DOI: https://doi.org/10.61189/167468gjipte


Received April 15, 2025; Accepted July 25, 2025; Published December 31, 2025


Highlights

● This review focuses on the research of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in treating acute liver  failure (ALF). 

● BM-MSCs are a heterogeneous subset of stromal stem cells that can be isolated from various adult tissues. 

● BM-MSCs have the ability to migrate toward damaged tissues and differentiate into hepatocytes. They effectively suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine release and promote hepatocyte proliferation. 

● BM-MSCs are a promising target for clinical treatment of acute liver failure. 

● BM-MSCs provide a new therapeutic direction for patients with acute liver failure during the perioperative period.

Abstract

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a severe hepatic injury characterized by rapid progression and multifactorial etiology. Clinical manifestations predominantly include severe gastrointestinal symptoms, altered consciousness, coagulopathy, jaundice, and hepatic encephalopathy. Currently, no specific pharmacological agents or established therapeutic regimens exist for ALF. While liver transplantation remains the primary clinical intervention, its application is limited by the shortage of donors. Advances in medical technology and research have led to accumulating experimental evidence suggesting that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can alleviate liver inflammation, improve hepatic histology and function, and enhance survival rates in ALF. MSCs have advanced to clinical trials, with ongoing exploration into the mechanisms underlying their efficacy, highlighting their substantial potential in regenerative medicine. In the future, BM-MSCs may become an important treatment option for patients with acute liver failure during the perioperative period. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic mechanisms and key findings associated with stem cells, particularly BM-MSCs, in the treatment of ALF.

Keywords: Acute liver failure, mesenchymal stem cells, therapeutics

Cite

Li H, Tang XY, Liu JM, Li WN, Niu X, Yue XC, Fang SP.  Research progress of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of acute liver failure. Perioper Precis Med. 2025 Dec; 3 (4): 168-175. doi: 10.61189/167468gjipte

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