Lifestyle diseases are gradually moving up the ranks causing deaths globally. Liver diseases appear to be one such condition, with a significantly increased number of patients being diagnosed each year. According to the WHO data published in 2017, liver disease was responsible for around 2.95% of the total deaths in India, accounting for one-fifth of all cirrhosis-associated deaths globally. Earlier, infections such as hepatitis B and C were the main causes; however, alcohol consumption and obesity are now becoming bigger contributors to liver disease. We know that the liver is responsible for detoxifying alcohol and drugs, but also performs multiple other functions, including glucose supply to the brain, food digestion, producing blood during foetal development, storing nutrients, etc. We also know that the liver can regenerate, but that does not mean a fully damaged liver can grow back on its own. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to signs of liver disease and initiate treatments promptly. Liver cirrhosis Cirrhosis is a condition where scars form in the liver causing the normal liver tissue to harden, thereby preventing the effective functioning of the organ. Cirrhosis and liver cancer are the prime causes of death due to liver disease globally. Regenerative medicine researcher Dr Pradeep Mahajan shares that alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, autoimmune diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and several inherited metabolic disorders can cause cirrhosis. The disease process begins as inflammation (swelling) in the liver tissue followed by scar formation and ultimately liver failure. Considering that there is no cure for cirrhosis per se, symptom and lifestyle management remain the mainstay of conventional treatment. Liver transplantation is the only curative option for severe cases; however, the issue of organ shortage is a chief and ever-growing concern. How can one get treated? Dr Mahajan says: Since we know that the liver can regenerate itself, the way ahead is to diagnose the liver disease as early as possible and find ways to enhance its regenerative potential. This is where cell and growth factor-based therapy can be beneficial. Stem cells in our body are capable of differentiating into liver (and various other) cells. In addition, they are also capable of regulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, enhancing blood supply, and stimulating other cells to perform their functions more efficiently. Similarly, growth factors can be isolated from blood/platelets, which serve as nutrition for cells of the body. These can help in cirrhosis by stabilising the internal environment of the liver making it more conducive to healing and regeneration. We are simply trying to find ways to capitalise on the healing potential of the liver before issues like scarring happen. Of course, lifestyle modification will be required to enhance the outcomes, but the end goal is to prevent the need for (or at least delay) liver transplantation, which can significantly affect a patients quality of life, adds Dr Mahajan.

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How effective is stem cell therapy for liver cirrhosis? - Times of India