Cheng CH, Hao WR, Cheng TH. Mesenchymal stem cells: A promising therapeutic avenue for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. World J Stem Cells 2024; 16(8): 780-783 [PMID: 39219724 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i8.780]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Tzu-Hurng Cheng, PhD, Professor, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, No. 91 Xueshi Road, North District, Taichung 404328, Taiwan. thcheng@mail.cmu.edu.tw
Research Domain of This Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Stem Cells. Aug 26, 2024; 16(8): 780-783 Published online Aug 26, 2024. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i8.780
Mesenchymal stem cells: A promising therapeutic avenue for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Chun-Han Cheng, Wen-Rui Hao, Tzu-Hurng Cheng
Chun-Han Cheng, Department of Medical Education, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
Wen-Rui Hao, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23561, Taiwan
Wen-Rui Hao, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11002, Taiwan
Tzu-Hurng Cheng, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404328, Taiwan
Co-first authors: Chun-Han Cheng and Wen-Rui Hao.
Author contributions: Cheng CH and Hao WR contributed equally to this editorial; Cheng CH, Hao WR, and Cheng TH have contributed to this editorial; Cheng CH and Hao WR primarily responsible for writing; Cheng TH overseeing revisions. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Tzu-Hurng Cheng, PhD, Professor, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, No. 91 Xueshi Road, North District, Taichung 404328, Taiwan. thcheng@mail.cmu.edu.tw
Received: June 28, 2024 Revised: July 24, 2024 Accepted: August 9, 2024 Published online: August 26, 2024 Processing time: 59 Days and 2.5 Hours
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a pressing global health concern that is associated with metabolic syndrome and obesity. On the basis of the insights provided by Jiang et al, this editorial presents an exploration of the potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for NAFLD treatment. MSCs have numerous desirable characteristics, including immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory properties, and tissue regeneration promotion, rendering them attractive candidates for NAFLD treatment. Recent preclinical and early clinical studies have highlighted the efficacy of MSCs in improving liver function and reducing disease severity in NAFLD models. However, MSC heterogeneity, long-term safety concerns, and unoptimized therapeutic protocols remain substantial challenges. Addressing these challenges through standardized protocols and rigorous clinical trials is essential to the safe and successful application of MSCs in NAFLD management. Continued research into MSC mechanisms and therapeutic optimization is required to improve treatments for NAFLD and related liver diseases.
Core Tip: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) constitute a promising therapy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Expanding upon insights from the forthcoming study by Jiang et al. MSCs demonstrate potent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects and can promote liver tissue regeneration. Addressing challenges such as MSC heterogeneity and ensuring long-term safety through standardized protocols are crucial to harnessing the full therapeutic potential of MSCs in clinical settings.
