[Cell transplantation in hepatology]

Preclinical studies have shown that hepatocytes transplanted into the liver function normally on a long term basis. The procedure is well tolerated and offers a wide range of potential clinical applications. Clinical case studies have been performed in the setting of acute and chronic liver failure as well as metabolic diseases. In particular, the case of a patient with Crigler-Najjar Syndrome Type I clearly demonstrated the long term viability of transplanted hepatocytes with stable metabolic function. Further studies are warranted to assess the full therapeutic potential of hepatocyte transplantation.