Research progress of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of acute liver failure

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a severe hepatic injury characterized by rapid progression and multifactorial etiology. Clinical manifestations predominantly include severe gastrointestinal symptoms, altered consciousness, coagulopathy, jaundice, and hepatic encephalopathy. Currently, no specific pharmacological agents or established therapeutic regimens exist for ALF. While liver transplantation remains the primary clinical intervention, its application is limited by the shortage of donors. Advances in medical technology and research have led to accumulating experimental evidence suggesting that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can alleviate liver inflammation, improve hepatic histology and function, and enhance survival rates in ALF. MSCs have advanced to clinical trials, with ongoing exploration into the mechanisms underlying their efficacy, highlighting their substantial potential in regenerative medicine. In the future, BM-MSCs may become an important treatment option for patients with acute liver failure during the perioperative period. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic mechanisms and key findings associated with stem cells, particularly BM-MSCs, in the treatment of ALF.