Researchers discovered that special cells from umbilical cords might help treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition where fat builds up in the liver. In studies with mice and human liver cells, these stem cells reduced fat accumulation, decreased inflammation, and improved how the liver cleans out damaged materials. The cells work by activating a natural cleanup system in liver cells called autophagy. While these results are promising, this research was done in animals and lab cells, so more testing is needed before doctors could use this treatment in people.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether special stem cells from umbilical cords could reduce fat buildup in the liver and improve liver health in mice and lab-grown liver cells
  • Who participated: Male mice fed a special high-fat diet designed to cause fatty liver disease, plus human liver cells grown in a lab and exposed to fatty acids
  • Key finding: Stem cells from umbilical cords decreased fat in the liver, reduced inflammation, and improved the liver’s natural cleanup process by activating a protein called TFEB
  • What it means for you: This research suggests a potential new treatment approach for fatty liver disease, but it’s still in early stages. The findings are from animal and lab studies, so human clinical trials would be needed before this could become a medical treatment. People with fatty liver disease should continue following their doctor’s current recommendations.

The Research Details

This study used two different experimental models to test stem cells from umbilical cords. First, researchers gave mice a special diet that causes fatty liver disease similar to what happens in humans. Second, they grew human liver cells in a lab and exposed them to fatty acids to create fatty cells. Both groups were then treated with stem cells from umbilical cords (called hUC-MSCs). The researchers measured various markers of liver health, including fat content, inflammation, and scarring. They also studied the molecular pathways—essentially the chemical communication systems inside cells—to understand how the stem cells were helping.

Understanding the exact mechanism of how stem cells help is crucial because it tells scientists whether this approach is likely to work in humans and helps identify which patients might benefit most. By studying both living animals and isolated cells, researchers can confirm their findings work at multiple levels of biological complexity.

This study combined both animal models and laboratory cell studies, which strengthens the findings. The researchers measured multiple markers of liver health rather than just one outcome. However, because this research was conducted in mice and lab cells rather than humans, the results need to be confirmed in human clinical trials before being used as a medical treatment. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other experts reviewed the work before publication.

What the Results Show

The stem cells from umbilical cords successfully reduced the amount of fat stored in liver cells in both the mice and the lab-grown liver cells. They also lowered liver enzymes (ALT and AST) that indicate liver damage. The stem cells reduced inflammation—the body’s harmful immune response—and decreased liver scarring (fibrosis), which is a sign of liver damage. The researchers discovered that the stem cells work by activating a natural cleanup system in cells called autophagy. This cleanup system removes damaged materials and excess fat from inside cells. The stem cells activate this system through a specific pathway involving proteins called AMPK, mTOR, and TFEB.

The research showed that TFEB, a key protein in the cleanup process, moved from the cytoplasm (outer part of the cell) to the nucleus (the cell’s control center) when stem cells were present. This movement is important because it activates the genes that control the cleanup system. When researchers artificially reduced TFEB levels in lab cells, the stem cells were less effective at improving autophagy and fat metabolism, confirming that TFEB is essential to how these stem cells work.

Previous research had shown that stem cells might help with fatty liver disease, but the exact mechanism wasn’t clear. This study adds important information by identifying the specific pathway (AMPK-mTOR-TFEB) through which stem cells improve liver health. It also confirms that defective autophagy is indeed a major problem in fatty liver disease, supporting earlier research suggesting that improving this cleanup system could be therapeutic.

This research was conducted entirely in mice and laboratory cells, not in humans. The mice were male only, so results might differ in females. The study doesn’t tell us whether these stem cells would work safely in humans or what the right dose would be. It also doesn’t address how stem cells would be delivered to patients or how long the benefits would last. More research, including human clinical trials, would be necessary before this could become a standard medical treatment.

The Bottom Line

This research is preliminary and suggests stem cells from umbilical cords may be a promising future treatment for fatty liver disease. However, it’s not yet ready for human use. Current evidence-based recommendations for fatty liver disease remain: maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet low in processed foods and added sugars, exercise regularly, and limit alcohol. People with fatty liver disease should work with their doctor on these proven strategies while researchers continue testing stem cell approaches.

People with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or those at risk for developing it (such as those with obesity or type 2 diabetes) should find this research interesting as a potential future option. Healthcare providers treating liver disease should follow this research as it develops. However, people should not seek out stem cell treatments for fatty liver disease outside of approved clinical trials, as safety and effectiveness in humans hasn’t been established.

If this research progresses successfully, it would typically take 5-10 years of additional testing before stem cell therapy could potentially become available as a medical treatment. This includes laboratory safety testing, animal studies, and then human clinical trials in phases 1, 2, and 3. Even then, regulatory approval would be required.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track liver health markers through regular doctor visits: monitor ALT and AST enzyme levels (blood tests), track weight and waist circumference monthly, and record diet quality using a food diary to identify patterns of processed food and added sugar intake
  • Use the app to set and monitor daily goals for proven fatty liver disease management: aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, reduce added sugar intake to less than 25g daily (for women) or 36g (for men), and maintain a food log focusing on whole foods versus processed foods
  • Create a quarterly check-in system in the app to review liver enzyme test results from doctor visits, track weight trends over 3-month periods, and assess adherence to diet and exercise goals. Set reminders for annual liver ultrasounds or other imaging as recommended by your doctor to monitor disease progression

This research describes experimental findings in mice and laboratory cells. Stem cell treatments for fatty liver disease are not currently approved for human use and should only be pursued through legitimate clinical trials under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Anyone with fatty liver disease should consult with their healthcare provider about proven treatment options and lifestyle modifications. Do not seek unproven stem cell treatments outside of regulated clinical research settings, as safety and effectiveness in humans has not been established.