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 end-stage 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. (C) 2010 Baishideng. All rights reserved.