Therapeutic effect of autologous bone marrow-derived liver stem cells transplantation in hepatitis B virus-induced liver cirrhosis.

Background/aims: To determine the safety, feasibility and therapeutic effect of in vitro-expanded autologous bone marrow-derived liver stem cells (BMDLSC) transplantation in cirrhotic patients following chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Methodology: Twelve patients with post-hepatitic cirrhosis and portal hypertension who required splenectomy with periesophagogastric devascularization were included and were divided into two groups. Group I included six patients who received autologous BMDLSC infusion via the hepatic artery after in vitro expansion for 7 days.