[Intrahepatic transplantation of in vitro induced autologous bone marrow-derived liver stem cells in patients with posthepatitic cirrhosis].

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of in vitro induced autologous bone marrow-derived liver stem cell transplantation for posthepatitic cirrhosis.

Methods: Between Jun 2008 and Mar 2009, 12 patients with posthepatitic cirrhosis and portal hypertensive underwent azygousportal disconnection and splenectomy in our department. The patients were then divided into two groups to receive autologous bone marrow-deprived liver stem cell infusion via the hepatic artery after in vitro induction for 7 days (n=6) or saline (n=6). The therapeutic effects of the operations on the liver functions and liver fibrosis index were evaluated.

Results: All the patients recovered uneventfully and no side effect of the operation was found. After the operation, the patients receiving bone marrow-deprived liver stem cell infusion showed better hepatic function improvement than those receiving saline infusion (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Transplantation of in vitro induced autologous bone marrow-derived liver stem cell via the hepatic artery is safe and effective for treatment of posthepatitic cirrhosis.