Wang, Zheng, Yao, Lichao, Hu, Xue, Yuan, Mengqin, Chen, Ping, Liu, Pingji, Zhang, Qiuling, Xiong, Zhiyu, Dai, Kai, and Jiang, Yingan
Chronic liver disease inevitably progresses to liver cirrhosis, significantly compromising patients' overall survival and quality of life. However, a glimmer of hope emerges with the emergence of mesenchymal stem cells, possessing remarkable abilities for self-renewal, differentiation, and immunomodulation. Leveraging their potential, MSCs have become a focal point in both basic and clinical trials, offering a promising therapeutic avenue to impede fibrosis progression and enhance the life expectancy of individuals battling hepatic cirrhosis. This comprehensive review serves to shed light on the origin of MSCs, the intricate mechanisms underlying cirrhosis treatment, and the cutting-edge advancements in basic and clinical research surrounding MSC-based therapies for liver cirrhosis patients. • Liver cirrhosis is the final stage of many chronic liver diseases. • Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have paracrine, anti-fibrotic, anti-oxidative stress, and immunomodulatory effects, making them a potential treatment option for liver cirrhosis. • MSC-EVs, gene modification, hypoxia, preconditioning with cytokines or growth factors, and combination therapy can enhance the therapeutic effect of MSCs in treating liver cirrhosis. • Clinical trials have proven MSCs' safety and effectiveness in treating liver cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]