Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have shown that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are the main source of hepatic stem cells except for liver. BMSCs can differentiate into hepatic tissues and hepatic cells under a certain condition, and participate in the repair and reconstitution of the liver.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect and safety of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation in treatment of cirrhosis in decompensatory period.
METHODS: A total of 20 patients with cirrhosis in decompensatory period were selected. 200 mL bone marrow was aspirated from posterior superior iliac spine in aseptic conditions. Bone marrow mononuclear cells were isolated and purified in vitro and made into 10 mL cell suspension. The stem cells were transplanted into the liver via hepatic artery. Liver function was rechecked at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after transplantation. Laboratory data, clinical symptoms and adverse effects were observed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: No significant changes in serological indexes were detected within 2 weeks after transplantation. The levels of albumin were increased from (27.05±5.23) g/L to (30.02±5.02) g/L; fibrinogen was increased from (1.55±0.53) g/L to (2.55±0.53) g/L; prothrombin time was deceased from (24.05±5.23) s to (17.05±5.13) s; cholinesterase and alpha fetoprotein was increased at different levels; no significant changes in aminoleucine transferase and total bilirubin levels were detectable. Appetite was improved and physical capacity was recovered in 10 cases; abdominal distention was alleviated in 6 cases; ascites was decreased in 7 cases; lower extremity edema was decreased in 4 cases after transplantation. There were no serious intraoperative complications. Patinets had no adverse reaction.