Hepatocyte transplantation for treating chronic hepatic dysfunction

Abstract

Chronic liver dysfunction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Orthotopic liver transplantation is positioned as first-line therapy for these patients. However, the limited availability of organ donors has forced scientists around the world to seek bridging or alternative therapies. After more than two decades of preclinical research, hepatocyte transplantation has been initiated. Hepatocyte transplantation has been assessed in experimental models of chronic liver dysfunction and some human cases have been reported. We review the technical, experimental, and clinical aspects of hepatocyte transplantation and assess its future potential as therapy for patients with chronic liver dysfunction.