Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Wnt Pathway Modulation: A Novel Therapy for Liver Cirrhosis and Steatosis.

Abstract

Background: The Wnt signalling pathway, one of the key classical stem cell pathways, plays an important role in helping the liver regenerate after injury. Stem cells can influence changes in adult cell behaviour by either activating or inhibiting this pathway. When liver damage is severe, the organ's ability to regenerate may be compromised, sometimes leading to structural changes. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells have shown promise in improving the liver microenvironment more effectively through the classical Wnt pathway.

Methods: Studies were conducted on both reviews and original experiments. This paper used a repeated-measures design, and statistical analysis was performed using a two-factor, two-level repeated-measures model to analyze the experimental results. The measurements taken before and after the intervention were compared, and interactions were examined. C57/6 BAL mice were randomly divided into two to three groups, with in vivo Choline-methionine deficiency C57 black mouse animal disease models, and hepG2 replace complex intake primary liver cell problem to mimic in vitro cell models simulated. One sample from each group was randomly selected for model validation, and stem cell injection experiments were conducted after validation. The experiments were carried out in a wholly randomized manner to explore the phenotype and intrinsic mechanisms of liver cirrhosis and steatosis.

Results: In cirrhosis, inflammatory fibrosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mitochondrial damage are key virulent factors in the primary stage. After treating mice for a month and a half, the AST content in the peripheral blood plasma of animals and the expression of ALT increased. The interventional treatment of umbilical cord mesenchymal cell infusion (three times a month at doses of 10⁵, 4 × 10⁵, or 10⁶) has further contributed to understanding the underlying mechanisms. The Wnt pathway plays a significant role in organ and tissue reversing function (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were used to treat cirrhosis, ranging from end-stage to early stages, in methionine-deficient rats by modulating the Wnt pathway. It can inhibit the progression of steatosis-related inflammation and fibrosis, further depresses cirrhosis in mice and humans, and underscores the significance of umbilical stem cells in public health.