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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Lentiviral Vector-mediated Gene Therapy of Hepatocytes Ex Vivo for Autologous Transplantation in Swine
Published on: November 4, 2018
Angiogenic cell therapy for hepatic fibrosis
Takato Ueno1, Toru Nakamura, Takuji Torimura
1Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy and Center of the 21st Century COE Program for Medical Science, Kurume University School of Medicine, Japan. takato@med.kurume-u.ac.jp
Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) transplantation effectively prevents liver fibrosis and promotes regeneration in chronic liver injury models. This therapy enhances liver function and may offer a new treatment for liver damage.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Hepatology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Liver fibrosis progression is linked to hypoxia and neovascularization.
- Neovascularization involves angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, driven by endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antifibrogenic and regenerative effects of EPC transplantation in chronic liver injury.
Main Methods:
- Rat EPCs were isolated and characterized.
- Rats received dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) to induce chronic liver injury.
- EPC transplantation was administered weekly for 4 weeks.
Main Results:
- EPC transplantation suppressed liver fibrogenesis.
- Increased expression of growth factors (HGF, TGF-α, EGF, VEGF) and hepatocyte proliferation were observed.
- Normal liver function parameters were maintained in transplanted rats.
Conclusions:
- EPC transplantation is effective in preventing liver fibrosis and promoting regeneration in chronic liver damage.
- This therapy shows potential as an alternative treatment for liver repair, pending further investigation in advanced cirrhosis.
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