title: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous portal transplantation of peripheral blood monocytes in patients with liver cirrhosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Liver transplantation offers the only definite cure for cirrhosis but lacking donors is problem. Stem cell therapy is attractive in this setting. In this study, we aimed to explore the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous portal transplantation of peripheral blood monocyte cell (PBMC) in cirrhotic patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of nine decompensated cirrhotic patients were randomized into three groups: group 1 (n = 3) was control group, group 2 (n = 3) received granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilization for 3 days, and group 3 (n = 3) received G-CSF mobilized PBMCs by leukapheresis and PBMC transplantation through ultrasound-guided percutaneous portal vein puncture. Liver function and clinical features were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At baseline, the Child-Turcotte-Pugh and the model for end-stage liver disease scores were comparable in study groups. Compared with group 1, there was a tendency to improve liver function in group 3 at 6 months after treatment. Treatment was tolerable and no complications were encountered related to the G-CSF mobilization or percutaneous portal administration of PBMCs. Imaging studies showed patent portal veins at the end of the study period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Autologous PBMC transplantation through ultrasound-guided percutaneous portal vein puncture could be considered as a safe alternative treatment for decompensated cirrhotic patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Su Jong
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Jung-Hwan
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Yoon
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Won
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Jeong Min
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Yun Bin
authors.initials: YB
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Yuri
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Dong Hyeon
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Minjong
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Jeong-Ju
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Yoo
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Eun Ju
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Jeong-Hoon
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Yoon Jun
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Chung Yong
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D053687:Adult Stem Cells / Q000637:transplantation; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019650:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009000:Monocytes / Q000637:transplantation*; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011677:Punctures / Q000379:methods; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor
keywords: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor; Leukocytes, mononuclear; Liver cirrhosis