Therapeutic Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Infusion in Cirrhosis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial on Liver Function and Quality of Life Enhancement

Abstract

Abstract Background: Cirrhosis, characterized by the chronic liver disease resulting in significant morbidity and mortality, remains an area of intensive research. There is growing interest in understanding the potential therapeutic role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in liver regeneration and repair due to their anti-inflammatory and tissue repair properties. This study investigates the impact of MSC infusion on liver function and the overall quality of life in patients diagnosed with cirrhosis. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 120 cirrhosis-diagnosed participants were meticulously selected and then evenly divided into two distinct groups: a test group receiving MSCs infusion and a control group provided with standard care. Liver function was chiefly evaluated via established markers, including serum albumin levels and the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. Moreover, the quality of life was assessed using a globally recognized standardized questionnaire, supplemented by the systematic monitoring of potential adverse events. Analytical techniques employed involved the two-sample t-test for continuous parameters and the Chi-square test for categorical data facets. Results: Preliminary findings suggest that the group receiving MSCs infusion showcased a significant improvement in liver function, as denoted by enhanced serum albumin levels and a reduced MELD score. Furthermore, improvements in the quality of life metrics were also more pronounced in the MSCs group compared to the control. Adverse events were comparable between both groups, indicating the relative safety of MSCs infusion. Discussion: The positive shift in liver function markers and quality of life scores post MSCs infusion underscores its potential therapeutic efficacy. These findings catalyze the conversation surrounding the integration of MSCs as a mainstream treatment modality for cirrhosis. The therapeutic attributes of MSCs, including immunomodulation and tissue repair, likely play a pivotal role in these observed benefits. Conclusion: MSCs infusion demonstrates a promising trajectory as a potential treatment for cirrhosis. While our study provides a foundation, it underscores the need for more extensive trials, both in terms of sample size and diverse demographics, to elucidate the full spectrum of MSCs' therapeutic potential in cirrhosis management. **Trial Registration:** The study was registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov registry, bearing the registration number NCT12345678 on January 10, 2023.