Use of mesenchymal stem cells in the combination therapy of ulcerative colitis

Aim. To compare results of treatment in patients with moderate and severe ulcerative colitis (UC), receiving standart antiinflammatory therapy (second group) and its combination with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) (first group). Results. Complex therapy of UC acute flare-up, including MSC did not influence on reccurence frequency, remission duration and mean value of clinical and endoscopic activity indices during 1 year of follow-up: in 1 group UC flare-up occurred in 2 (16.7%) patients, in 2 group - in 3 patients (30%). RR was 0.3 (95% Cl 0.08-1.36; p=0.2; chi(2) = 1.47). After 2 years of follow-up risk of UC exacerbation in 1 group was 3 times lower than in the 2 group (p=0.03). Mean duration of remission in the 1 group was 22 months, in the 2 group - 17 months (p=0.049). After 3 years of follow-up remission duration in the 1 and 2 groups were 22. and 22 months, respectively (p=0.66). Activity Index according to Rachmilevich in the 1 group was 4.75 +/- 1.13 points, in the 2 - 8.1 +/- 1.1 points (p=0.001). Conclusion. MSC application increases efficacy of anti-inflammatory treatment in patients with acute exacerbation of UC.