Background: Hepatic stem cells are capable to self-renew and to differentiate into all types of cells in the liver, including hepatic progenitors, mature hepatocytes and cholangiocytes.
Aims: This review summarizes the recent advances in animal studies and the results of clinical trials over the last few decades.
Results: Studies in numerous animal models of liver diseases have demonstrated the efficacy of hepatic stem cells. Clinical studies of hepatic stem cells are also promising for a variety of hepatic diseases.
Conclusions: With the accumulation of innovative and creative works, hepatic stem cells therapy will be a new approach for liver diseases.
Keywords: Animal models of liver diseases; Clinical trial; Hepatic stem cells.