Molecular Mechanisms of Fibrosis in Cholestatic Liver Diseases and Regenerative Medicine-Based Therapies

Abstract

The aim of this review is to explore the potential of new regenerative medicine approaches in the treatment of cholestatic liver fibrosis. Cholestatic liver diseases, such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and biliary atresia (BA), due to the accumulation of bile, often progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. When the disease becomes severe enough to require liver transplantation. Deeply understanding the disease’s progression and fibrosis formation is crucial for better diagnosis and treatment. Current liver fibrosis treatments mainly target the root causes and no direct treatment method in fibrosis itself. Recent advances in regenerative medicine offer a potential approach that may help find the ways to target fibrosis directly, offering hope for improved outcomes. We also summarize, analyze, and discuss the current state and benefits of regenerative medicine therapies such as mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and organoid technology, which may help the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases. Focusing on the latest research may reveal new targets and enhance therapeutic efficacy, potentially leading to more effective management and even curative strategies for cholestatic liver diseases.

Keywords

• cholestatic liver fibrosis
• PBC
• PSC
• BA
• liver transplantation
• mechanism