Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Treat Digestive System Disorders: Progress Made and Future Directions

Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to summarize the results from clinical trials that evoked promise and discouragement for the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to treat digestive system disorders. Recent Findings Adult MSCs are defined as a non-homogeneous population of pluripotent progenitor cells, which can be isolated and expanded in vitro from different tissues. The differentiation capacity of MSC along mesenchymal lineages and their immunomodulatory properties have been considered a new therapeutic approach for intestinal disorders. A dysregulated immune response is the cause and sustainment of these disorders, as they are characterized by progressive tissue damage with no available curative treatment. Up to now, 130 clinical trials on MSC-based therapy are registered to treat conditions affecting the digestive system. The results from completed or underway clinical studies are encouraging, showing both benefit for those digestive disorders refractory to any conventional therapy and progression toward end-stage liver disease. However, the absence of large, robust controlled, and randomized clinical trials to assess MSC clinical efficacy limits MSC-based therapy translation to bedside reality to completely cure digestive disorders.