Meta-Analysis
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World J Gastroenterol. Oct 14, 2014; 20(38): 14051-14057
Published online Oct 14, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i38.14051
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy for decompensated liver cirrhosis: A meta-analysis
Xing-Nan Pan, Lian-Qiu Zheng, Xiao-Huan Lai
Xing-Nan Pan, Lian-Qiu Zheng, Xiao-Huan Lai, Clinical Liver Center, 180th Hospital of People’s Liberation Army, Quanzhou 362000, Fujian Province, China
Author contributions: Pan XN designed research; Zheng LQ performed research; ZhengLQ and Lai XH contributed analytic tools; Zheng LQ analyzed data and wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Xin-Nan Pan, Professor, Clinical Liver Center, 180th Hospital of People’s Liberation Army, FengZe Zone Huayuan Rd No. 180, Quanzhou 362000, Fujian Province, China. xnpancn@163.com
Telephone: +86-21-28919421 Fax: +86-21-28919421
Received: April 27, 2014
Revised: June 20, 2014
Accepted: July 16, 2014
Published online: October 14, 2014
Processing time: 171 Days and 17.2 Hours
Abstract

AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) in the treatment of decompensated liver cirrhosis.

METHODS: The search terms “bone marrow stem cell”“chronic liver disease”“transfusion” and “injection” were used in the Cochrane Library, Med-Line (Pub-Med) and Embase without any limitations with respect to publication date or language. Journals were also hand-searched and experts in the field were contacted. The studies which used BM-MSC in the treatment of any chronic liver disease were included. Comprehensive Review Manager and Meta-Analyst software were used for statistical analysis. Publication bias was evaluated using Begg’s test.

RESULTS: Out of 78 studies identified, five studies were included in the final analysis. The studies were conducted in China, Iran, Egypt and Brazil. Analysis of pooled data of two controlled studies by Review Manager showed that the mean decline in scores for the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) was -1.23 [95%CI: -2.45-(-0.01)], -1.87 [95%CI: -3.16-(-0.58)], -2.01 [95%CI: -3.35-(-0.68)] at 2, 4 and 24 wk, respectively after transfusion. Meta-analysis of the 5 studies showed that the mean improvement in albumin levels was -0.28, 2.60, 5.28, 4.39 g/L at the end of 8, 16, 24, and 48 wk, respectively, after transfusion. MELD scores, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin levels and prothrombin times improved to some extent. BM-MSC injections resulted in no serious adverse events or complications.

CONCLUSION: BM-MSC infusion in the treatment of decompensated liver cirrhosis improved liver function. At the end of year 1, there were no serious side effects or complications.

Keywords: Decompensated liver cirrhosis; Bone marrow stem cell; Transfusion; Meta-analysis

Core tip: Out of 78 studies identified, five studies were included in the final analysis, which showed that the mean decline in scores for the model for end-stage liver disease was -1.23 [95%CI: -2.45-(-0.01)], -1.87 [95%CI: -3.16-(-0.58)], -2.01 [95%CI: -3.35-(-0.68)] at 2, 4 and 24 wk, respectively. The mean improvement in albumin levels was -0.28, 2.60, 5.28, 4.39 g/L at the end of 8, 16, 24, and 48 wk, respectively. Alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin levels and prothrombin times improved to some extent. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell injections resulted in no serious adverse events or complications.