Mesenchymal Bone Marrow-derived Stem Cells Transplantation in Patients with HCV Related Liver Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS To evaluate the effect of intraparenchymal transplantation of mesenchymal bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver cirrhosis (LC). METHODS Mononuclear cells were isolated from patient bone marrow and were passaged several times in vitro in order to reach the required volume. Attributes of the BMSCs were evaluated by the presence of the surface markers CD105+, CD90+, and CD73+. Cells from each passage were evaluated for sterility, and they were transplanted intraparenchymally into liver tissue. Clinical and laboratory data were evaluated and morphological studies of liver biopsy were performed prior to and 6 months after transplantation. RESULTS On clinical evaluation, the general state of these patients was improved at 1 month following transplantation of BMSCs. At 1 and 6 months post-transplantation, jaundice was absent in four (67%) patients. After 6 months, functional hepatic indices were improved, i.e. decrease of ALT and AST activity and bilirubin level. However, these decreases were not statistically different (P>0.05). Expression of CD34 and α-SMA in liver biopsy samples were decreased at 6 months after transplantation, consistent with structural improvements in mitochondria and nuclear compartments. CONCLUSIONS Intraparenchymal transplantation of autologous BMSCs improved the functional condition of the liver, stimulated reparative processes in hepatocytes, and decreased extracellular matrix protein (EMP) count in hepatic tissues of patients with LC. It was well tolerated and was not associated with any complications both during and after BMSC transplantation.