Publication Name	World Journal of Stem Cells
Manuscript ID	67042
Country	Pakistan

Category	Cell Biology
Manuscript Type	Basic Study
Article Title	Effect of glycyrrhizic acid and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid on the differentiation of human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocytes
Manuscript Source	Invited Manuscript
All Author List	Abiha Fatima, Tuba Shakil Malick, Irfan Khan, Aisha Ishaque and Asmat Salim
Funding Agency and Grant Number
Corresponding Author	Asmat Salim, PhD, Professor, Stem Cell Laboratory, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, ICCBS, University of Karachi, NA, Karachi 75270, Sindh, Pakistan. asmat.salim@iccs.edu
Key Words	Glycyrrhizic acid; 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid; Hepatocyte differentiation; Human umbilical cord-MSCs; Mesenchymal stem cells
Core Tip	This study focuses on exploring the effect of two triterpenes, glycyrrhizic acid and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid to enhance the differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into hepatocytes to ensure a potent and valuable cell source for cellular therapy for end-stage liver disease. Preconditioning of human umbilical cord-MSCs with these compounds enhances expression of both early and late hepatic markers, regulated with time of differentiation. The significant expression of hepatocyte markers, the ability to store glycogen, and presence of bi-nucleated cells, suggest successful hepatic differentiation. Preconditioned MSCs may help in the replacement of damaged hepatocytes, and improve liver function post-transplantation in impaired hepatic tissues.
Citation	Fatima A, Malick TS, Khan I, Ishaque A, Salim A. Effect of glycyrrhizic acid and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid on the differentiation of human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocytes. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13(10): 1580-1594

Received	2021-04-13 10:34
Peer-Review Started	2021-04-13 10:36
To Make the First Decision
Return for Revision	2021-05-12 02:02
Revised	2021-05-25 18:11
Second Decision	2021-09-18 03:29
Accepted by Journal Editor-in-Chief
Accepted by Company Editor-in-Chief	2021-09-19 09:07
Articles in Press	2021-09-19 09:07
Publication Fee Transferred
Edit the Manuscript by Language Editor
Typeset the Manuscript	2021-10-22 08:37

ISSN	1948-0210 (online)
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