London, 5 mar ( EFE).-scientists at the Scottish University of Edinburgh have discovered how to increase the production of a type of regenerative cells located in the liver, to treat liver diseases such as cirrhosis, according to the latest issue of the British magazine “Nature”.
When the liver is sick produces too many cells of the bile duct, but not enough hepatocytes, another class of de-intoxicate this body and cells that are responsible for the repair of damaged tissue.
As a scientific team of the center of regenerative medicine (CMR) of the University, it would be possible to develop a drug that promotes the creation of hepatocytes rather than the cells of the bile duct, and which would serve to treat ailments such as cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis.
In his study, experts managed to increase production of hepatocytes by altering the expression of some genes in cells of the liver were in early stages of its development.
Researchers hope that, in the long term, its discovery will contribute to ease waiting lists for liver, the most voluminous innards of the human body transplants.
In United Kingdom, liver diseases are the fifth leading cause of death and now half thousand of patients awaiting a transplant, compared with five years ago, when the waiting list reached three hundred, according to figures provided by the University of Edinburgh.
“Liver transplants have saved countless lives over the years, but long-term demand will inevitably exceed the provision of these bodies.” “It is necessary to focus on the regenerative potential of the human body,” said the head of regenerative medicine of the CMR, Rob Buckle.
In addition the Beatson Institute of cancer research (Glasgow) and the Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium) participated in the research. EFE
