07. Clinical Applications

• embryonic stem cells have immune rejection problems and the chance of forming teratomas
• mesenchymal stem cells can:

  • form adipocytes, osteoblasts and chondrocytes
  • home to sites of injury and modify disease process
  • secrete cytokines and growth factors
  • manage chronic disease as they are potent immune regulators
• it is difficult to get mesenchymal stem cells to liver as a cirrhotic liver has poor blood supply, and the stem cells can get trapped in the narrow vessels of the lungs causing thrombi

  • treatment with TGF influences them to go to the liver