夏强院士团队等发布肝前体样细胞治疗肝硬化的首次人体试验数据

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a groundbreaking study on the use of hepatocyte-derived liver progenitor-like cells (HepLPC) for treating liver cirrhosis, highlighting its safety and potential effectiveness in human trials [2][3][14]. Summary by Sections Introduction to Liver Cirrhosis - Liver cirrhosis is a severe disease characterized by the gradual formation of scar tissue in the liver, leading to loss of essential functions. It is often caused by chronic liver diseases such as viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune liver disease, or damage from drugs and toxins [2]. Research Background - The scarcity of suitable donor organs for liver transplantation and the associated risks have created an unmet medical need for effective alternative therapies to reverse liver cirrhosis [2][3]. Study Overview - The study published in Cell Discovery reports the first human trial using HepLPC to treat liver cirrhosis, focusing on safety and efficacy [3][14]. Methodology - The research team developed a method to convert human primary liver cells into expandable HepLPC, which can secrete high levels of matrix metalloproteinases and hepatocyte growth factor [6][8]. Preclinical Findings - In a rat model of liver cirrhosis, human-derived HepLPC demonstrated strong anti-fibrotic properties and promoted liver regeneration. The cells were mostly cleared from the body within a week, suggesting that therapeutic effects may arise from paracrine signaling rather than long-term engraftment [8]. Clinical Trial Details - The first human clinical trial included 9 patients with liver cirrhosis (average age 53, primarily due to hepatitis B virus) who received HepLPC via hepatic artery infusion without immunosuppressants [10][12]. Safety and Efficacy Results - No serious adverse events were observed in the trial, and mild adverse events were consistent with common symptoms of liver cirrhosis. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no infusion reactions or dose-limiting toxicities. Although Child-Pugh and MELD scores did not show significant changes, some liver biochemical markers and portal hypertension-related parameters improved during the 6-month follow-up [10][14]. Conclusion - The results indicate that HepLPC treatment is safe and feasible, providing a new strategy for liver cirrhosis treatment. Further clinical trials are needed to evaluate its efficacy in decompensated liver cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure patients [14].