Stem cells and liver replacement

Reproducible stem cell programmability, either embryonic or adult in nature, will open a variety of clinical application strategies for the treatment of tissue injuries, degenerated organs and body components, respectively, in the future. In addition, stem cells will be used to complement metabolically or genetically caused diseases. Pluripotent plasticity of stem cells describes their ability to be programmed into target cells encountered in all three germ layers during embryologic development. Here, we review future application modalities for the clinical use of cellular-derived products and therapeutics for patients presenting with liver diseases. This overview is designed as a state-of-the-art survey taking into account current knowledge and published work. It includes a diversified description of biological advantages and disadvantages of different types of stem cells, considers related ethical aspects and outlines clinically required parameters for the use of stem cells in humans. Successful application of stem cell-associated therapeutics in man will be closely related with ensuing patient risk profiles, stringent indications, long-term patient outcomes and will be determined by cost-benefit efficacy.