Adult stem cells represent the self-renewing progenitors of numerous body tissues, and they are currently classified according to their origin and differentiation ability. In recent years, the research on stem cells h...Adult stem cells represent the self-renewing progenitors of numerous body tissues, and they are currently classified according to their origin and differentiation ability. In recent years, the research on stem cells has expanded enormously and holds therapeutic promises for many patients suffering from currently disabling diseases. This paper focuses on the possible use of stem cells in the two main clinical settings in gastro-enterology, i.e., hepatic and intestinal diseases, which have a strong impact on public health worldwide. Despite encouraging results obtained in both regenerative medicine and immunemediated conditions,further studies are needed to fully understand the biology of stem cellsand carefully assess their put ativeonco- genicproperties.Moreover,there searchonstemcellsarousesferventethical,socialandpoliticaldebate.TheItalianSocietyofGastroenterologysponsoredaworkshoponstemcellsheldinVeronaduringtheⅩⅥCongressoftheFederationofItalianSocietiesofDigestiveDiseases(March 6-9,2010).Here,we report on the issues discussed,including liver and intestinal diseases that may benefit from stemcell therapy,the biology of hepatic and intestinal tissue repair,and stem cell usage inclinical trials.展开更多
文摘Adult stem cells represent the self-renewing progenitors of numerous body tissues, and they are currently classified according to their origin and differentiation ability. In recent years, the research on stem cells has expanded enormously and holds therapeutic promises for many patients suffering from currently disabling diseases. This paper focuses on the possible use of stem cells in the two main clinical settings in gastro-enterology, i.e., hepatic and intestinal diseases, which have a strong impact on public health worldwide. Despite encouraging results obtained in both regenerative medicine and immunemediated conditions,further studies are needed to fully understand the biology of stem cellsand carefully assess their put ativeonco- genicproperties.Moreover,there searchonstemcellsarousesferventethical,socialandpoliticaldebate.TheItalianSocietyofGastroenterologysponsoredaworkshoponstemcellsheldinVeronaduringtheⅩⅥCongressoftheFederationofItalianSocietiesofDigestiveDiseases(March 6-9,2010).Here,we report on the issues discussed,including liver and intestinal diseases that may benefit from stemcell therapy,the biology of hepatic and intestinal tissue repair,and stem cell usage inclinical trials.
