Stem Cells Expressing Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 mRNA Appear during Regression Reversal of Hepatic Cirrhosis

This chapter describes a mechanism that underlies the degradation of newly formed fibrous bands in CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and demonstrates that neural progenitor cells derived from hematopoietic stem cells express interstitial collagenase in the recovery phase of experimental cirrhosis. It also discusses the availability of hematopoietic stem cells for the treatment of human liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. The reversibility of liver fibrosis in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and alcoholic fatty liver with fibrosis has been observed after alcohol abstinence. Histologically documented reversibility of liver fibrosis in alcoholic liver diseases was closely correlated with a decrease in serum fibrosis markers of type IV collagen. It is now generally accepted that reversibility of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis occurs under some conditions if the cause of liver damage is removed or adequately treated.