Table 1 Summarizing studies that used growth factor and cytokines for differentiating MSCs into HLCs

AT-MSCs

HGF, FGF-1, FGF-4

Produce ALB, uptake low-density lipoprotein and ammonia detoxification, could incorporate in the parenchyma of the mouse liver after transplantation

[16]

AT-MSC

Using Dexa, ascorbic acid, EGF, bFGF, and HGF

Gene expression analysis, functional assays, and transplantation into mouse with chronic liver injury

[17]

AT-MSC

FGF, EGF, HGF, OSM, Dexa, and TSA

Hepatocyte-specific markers (ALB and AFP), bioactivity assays (LDL uptake and glycogen storage)

[18]

UC-MSCs

Sequential exposure to EGF, bFGF, bFGF-HGF, and finally OSM

Analyzed HLCs by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemical assays

[19]

UC-MSCs

Sequential exposure to TSA or DMSO

Morphology and protein expression, urea synthesis, ammonia concentration

[20]

UC-MSCs

One-step protocol by using HGF and FGF-4

ALB, AFP, and CK-18, LDL uptake, and glycogen storage

[21]

UC-MSCs

Emphasizing on the critical role of OSM

Function of differentiated cell by PAS staining and LDL uptake was examined. The protein expressions of TP, ALB, GLB, BUN, and AFP were also detected

[22]

UCB-MSCs

HGF and FGF-4

Urea production and protein secretion and production of AFP and ALB

[2]

umbilical cord vein MSCs

Two-step protocol that contained HGF and OSM

Liver-specific protein markers such as ALB and CK-18 and expression of transthyretin, glucose 6-phosphatase, CK-18,18, AFP, hepatocyte nuclear factor-3β and ALB, indocyanine green cell uptake, glycogen storage

[23]

F-MSCs

HGF, bFGF, and OSM

Measured the expression of hepatocyte-specific markers such as AFP and CK-18

[24]

BM-MSCs

FGF-4, HGF, and combination of HGF-ITS-Dexa, and TSA

Glycogen storage and CK-18 expression, HNF-3beta, AFP, CK18, ALB, HNF1α, MRP2 and C/EBPα, ALB secretion, urea production and P450 (CYP)-dependent activity

[25]