Human Serum Could Help Pave Way for Future Liver Cell Transplants

Serum collected from patients soon after partial removal of the liver supports the growth of stem-cell derived liver cells in vitro, according to a new study published in Digestive and Liver Disease.

Previous research has shown that partial removal of the liver elevates growth factors in the blood, which contribute to liver healing. While in vitro cell cultures are typically grown in the presence of serum from fetal cows, human serum significantly improved the growth of stem cell-derived liver cells. This improved culture system could pave the way toward liver cell transplants in the future.