CONFERENCE REPORT

Prof. O. Smikodub participated in the 6^th INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP on Advanced Laparascopic and Oncologic Surgery  held on December 16-18, 2004 in Rome, Italy.

Oral Presentation.

ENDOSCOPIC ADMINISTRATION OF EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS:

PERSPECTIVES OF TREATMENT OF LIVER CIRRHOSIS

This oral presentation  attracted attention of the international medical community.

Abstracts.

ENDOSCOPIC ADMINISTRATION OF EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS: PERSPECTIVES OF TREATMENT OF LIVER CIRRHOSIS

Alexander Smikodub,

Alexander Smikodub, Jr.

Cell Therapy Clinic of National Medical University of Ukraine

and Embryonic Tissues Center EmCell, Kyiv

Observed were 7 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) complicated by portal hypertension.

Used was regular laparoscopy. For LC patients, used were two modes of laparoscopic administration of embryonic stem cells (ESC):  a) local administration (implantation): 1. Ligamentum falciforme. 2. Ligamentum teres hepatis. 3. Liver parenchyma; b) systemic administration (transplantation):1. Vena umbilicalis after bougieurage. 2. Vena paraumbilicalis.

Embryonic hepatocytes (cell count – 10-80*10⁶/ml, amount – 1-3 ml) and suspensions containing hematopoietic embryonic liver stem cells (HELSC) (cell count – 60-220*10⁶/ml, amount – 1-4 ml) were administered locally;  HELSC of 5-8 weeks old embryo were administered locally and systemically.  Each patient received genetically homogenous embryonic material.

Syndrome of Early Post-Transplant Improvements was noted in 8-12 hours after treatment, and was manifested by improvement of general condition, appetite, decrease of weakness and sweating.  All the patients also reported Syndrome of Psycho-Functional Changes: decrease of somatic depression, improvement of emotional state, thinking, and memory.   Gradually, after 1-3 months, noted was decrease of manifestations of hepatocellular insufficiency, normalization of bilirubin metabolism, and also decrease or disappearance of edema, as well as decreased volume of free liquid in the abdomen. In all patients, level of blood oldosterone decreased to normal and was maintained for 4-6 months.  Systemic administration proved to be more effective.