Usage of mesenchymal cells from the human placental-umbilical complex in the correction of liver failure in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis

Acute-on-chronic liver failure is an acute liver decompensation in cirrhotic patients, which leads to organ failures and high short-term mortality. The treatment is based on the management of complications and, in severe cases, liver transplantation. Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment, but the lack of donor livers and a high cost of transplantation limit its broad application. Human placenta-umbilical cord complex derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be considered as an allogeneic source for liver disease. The aim of the study was to assess the safety and potential effectiveness of systemic administration of mesenchymal cells from the human placental-umbilical cord complex for liver failure correction in patients with decompensated cirrhosis of the liver. An open interventional prospective case-control study was conducted, including 40 patients over 18 years of age with decompensated liver cirrhosis who were hospitalized awaiting liver transplantation. Laboratory efficacy of therapy was confirmed by a significant decrease in a total bilirubin level by 39 %, an increase in total protein was noted (by 11 %), as well as stabilization of coagulopathy (decrease in INR by 25 %). Systemic administration of mesenchymal cells of placental origin is a promising therapeutic option for patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, allowing one to increase the waiting period for emergency liver transplantation and stabilize the clinical course of the disease.

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