MESENCHIMAL STEM CELLS IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES: CLINICAL EVIDENCES AND POTENTIAL INSIGHTS FOR THE CLINICIANS

Mesenchimal stem cells (MSCs) have been used experimentally and clinically in the treatment of a wide variety of pathologies MSCs can be safely transplanted in autologous and allogenic ways as they are non-immunogenic, and consequently represent a therapeutic option for refractory connective tissue diseases, fibrosing diseases like scleroderma and fistulizing colitis like in Crohn's disease (CD). The immunomodulatory properties of MSCs have already shown promise when used as therapy for otherwise medically refractory CD. Accumulating evidence suggests that the properties may also be exploited of several other conditions. The currently available experimental and clinical data indicate that, similar to previously obtained data in the setting of HSCT, MSC treatment for IBD is feasible and safe. aim of this review is to analyze the pathophysiological insights for the use of MSCs in inflammatory bowel diseases, and to summarize the clinical evidences about the efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy in such disorders.