ROLE OF STEM CELLS

It is important to recall that at the end of the nineties, several studies were conducted to demonstrate and optimize the ability of bone marrow stem cells to regenerate mature and functional hepatic cells. This type of stem cell is characterized by auto renewal ability and its capacity to form different types of cell populations, this is called differentiation.

Most of the time, mature hepatic cells can divide several times, and they are responsible for the replacement of damaged hepatic cells. But there is also a type of cell in the liver, called “oval cells”; these cells can originate hepatic cells and cells of the ductal biliary epithelium. So the hepatic stem cells are called “Oval cells”.

Over the basis of these two concepts about the generation of hepatic cells there have been various studies in animals with cirrhosis and in small groups of humans with advanced liver cirrhosis. In both cases, the infusion of stem cells extracted from the animals’ or patients own bone marrow, gave very promising results. However not definitive, although there are still various unanswered questions, it is evident this is a promising and attractive therapeutic method that has the potential to aid in the regeneration of tissues with a minimally invasive procedure and very low complications.

About the procedure

The technique by catheterism consists on the injection of stem cells, extracted from the iliac crests through a catheter. The procedure starts with the puncture, with sedation, of the iliac crests to extract a an adequate volume of blood. After this, while the patient rests this blood is processed to concentrate the stem cells that will be transplanted. Finally, under sedation, stem cells will be injected using a catheter in the arteries of the liver and in the portal circulation. This is a procedure that will be performed through a needle; it is not painful and has low risks. The next day the patient can go home and return to normal life.