COVID-19: STEM CELLS FOR LIVER REGENERATION AND ITS RESTORATION AFTER ILLNESS
The liver is the second organ in the pathological impact of COVID-19. This is due to the complex threat of damage both from the virus itself and from the totality of pathological effects accompanying the viral damage.
Direct damage to liver cells by the COVID-19 virus is confirmed by the detection of increased expression of ACE-2 receptors in cholangiocytes. The COVID-19 virus, through a specific protein 7a, induces the death of liver cells in a caspase-dependent manner. The level of this expression is comparable to the level in type 2 alveolar cells in the lungs, which confirms the serious danger of the virus to liver tissue.
A set of pathological effects accompanying viral liver damage was also revealed:
- immune activation and inflammation caused by circulating cytokines with the initiation of a cytokine storm and multiple organ failure;
- severe hypoxia, which leads to an increase in inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, hypoxemia, hypoxia and multiple organ oxygen deficiency - accelerating necrotic processes in the liver;
- drug damage to the liver as a result of direct hepatotoxicity of drugs used for the treatment of COVID-19 and idiosyncratic (immune-mediated) damage. As a result of pathological metabolism, ammonia is released, which leads to the formation of hepatic fibrosis.
- often accompanying relapse of pre-existing liver diseases (hepatitis B, C and E), the development of acute liver failure associated with chronic hepatocellular carcinoma, during antiviral therapy. The progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with complications in the form of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity, which, in turn, dramatically worsen the prognosis in COVID-19, and the pathological consequences of a viral disease.
Progression and decompensation of liver cirrhosis is observed. At risk are patients who have undergone liver transplantation and are receiving immunosuppressants.
Studies have shown that the stronger the liver is damaged, the more severe is the course of coronavirus infection and the higher the lethality from lung damage. In cases of fatal COVID-19, the incidence of liver damage reaches 78%.
All this testifies to the mortal danger to the human body of the complex destruction of the liver in COVID-19 disease and its consequences.
For nearly thirty years, specialists of the Unique Cell Treatment Clinic have been developing and implementing effective treatment methods for liver diseases and their complications. Our experience has made it possible to develop and implement in the shortest possible time a comprehensive treatment aimed at protecting the liver during the period of illness, and a powerful restorative treatment after it.
Developed by Professor Smikodub and conducted at the Unique Cell Treatment Clinic, stem cell therapy for liver diseases effectively treats pathological changes in the body resulting from the negative effects of viruses, toxins, alcohol, etc. Cell therapy is used in combination with the latest etiotropic therapy methods that affect the cause of the disease (for example, antiretroviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B and C with interferon).
Fetal stem cells enter the zone of death of hepatocytes, form new pools (groups) of cells that can take root and function for a long time, replacing the affected liver cells with healthy ones. In this case, the liver tissue regenerates, which leads to the restoration of its functions. During our treatment, several million fetal stem cells that have undergone primary differentiation are injected into the patient’s body. These cells turn into hepatocytes, restoring the liver function. Fetal stem cells also produce biologically active substances that stimulate the division of body’s own stem cells and thereby renew the cellular structure of the damaged organ. As a result, the work of the whole body is normalized, and toxins formed both under the influence of the COVID-19 virus and components of antibiotics are effectively removed from the body. A decrease in the harmful effect of drugs based on hydroxychloroquine has been proven after administration of fetal hepatic precursor stem cells.
Stem cells normalize and stimulate the immune system and all internal organs: the patient receives colossal energy to cope with the disease. Due to biologically active substances, in the first hours and days after transplantation, patients notice an improvement in their emotional state, a decrease in depressive conditions, an improvement in memory and thinking, and sleep normalization.
Our researches have proven that stem cell therapy according to the method of Professor Smikodub allows to significantly improve blood parameters characterizing liver function (bilirubin, ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, total protein, albumin, platelets). The risk of developing complications of cirrhosis, such as portal hypertension or bleeding, is dramatically reduced. At the same time, the period of liver restoration after the pathogenic effects of the COVID-19 virus is significantly reduced.
At the moment, the successful results in the treatment of the liver with fetal stem cells according to the method of Professor Smikodub surpass all other known methods of treating COVID-19 and regenerating the body after the disease.