Autologous CD34⁺ and CD133⁺ stem cells transplantation in patients with end stage liver disease

AIM: To assess the utility of an autologous CD34+ and CD133+ stem cells infusion as a possible therapeutic modality in patients with end-stage liver diseases. METHODS: One hundred and forty patients with endstage liver diseases were randomized into two groups. Group 1, comprising 90 patients, received granulocyte colony stimulating factor for five days followed by autologous CD34+ and CD133+ stem cell infusion in the portal vein. Group 2, comprising 50 patients, received regular liver treatment only and served as a control group. RESULTS: Near normalization of liver enzymes and improvement in synthetic function were observed in 54.5% of the group 1 patients; 13.6% of the patients showed stable states in the infused group. None of the patients in the control group showed improvement. No adverse effects were noted. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that a CD34+ and CD133+ stem cells infusion can be used as supportive treatment for end-stage liver disease with satisfactory tolerability. © © 2010 Baishideng.