Role of BMSCs in liver regeneration and metastasis after hepatectomy

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),which develops from liver cirrhosis,is highly prevalent worldwide and is a malignancy that leads to liver failure and systemic metastasis.While surgery is the preferred treatment for HCC,intervention and liver transplantation are also treatment options for end-stage liver disease.However,the success of partial hepatectomy and intervention is hindered by the decompensation of liver function.Conversely,liver transplantation is difficult to carry out due to its high cost and the lack of donor organs.Fortunately,research into bone-marrow stromal cells(BMSCs)has opened a new door in this field.BMSCs are a type of stem cell with powerful proliferative and differential potential that represent an attractive tool for the establishment of successful stem cell-based therapy for liver diseases.A number of different stromal cells contribute to the therapeutic effects exerted by BMSCs because BMSCs can differentiate into functional hepatic cells and can produce a series of growth factors and cytokines capable of suppressing inflammatory responses,reducing hepatocyte apoptosis,reversing liver fibrosis and enhancing hepatocyte functionality.Additionally,it has been shown that BMSCs can increase the apoptosis rate of cancer cells and inhibit tumor metastasis in some microenvironments.This review focuses on BMSCs and their possible applications in liver regeneration and metastasis after hepatectomy.

Novel discovery of PDPN-positive CAFs contributing to tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis through mesenchymal to lymphatic endothelial transition in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis is thought to be an importantmetastaticstepin intrahepaticccholangiocarcinoma(ICC),while the origin of tumor-associated lymphatic vessels within tumors is little known.Cancerassociated fibroblasts(CAFs)enhance tumor progression through many aspects.2 CAFs have been discovered exhibiting cellular plasticity of phenotypic transition-such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)which promotes increased migratory and invasive capabilities of cells.3However,mesenchymal-to-endothelial,(MEndT)transition is yet to be identified in tumor entities.