Stem Cell Therapy Improves LN & Renal Function

For patients with lupus nephritis (LN), mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC) transplantation therapy showed encouraging results for improving disease activity and a satisfactory safety profile, according to a study published in Clinical and Investigative Medicine. MSC also appeared to improve renal function in patients with SLE. Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 12 studies with 586 patients. Within 12 months after MSC therapy, disease activity indices, including Systemic Lupus Erythematous Disease Activity (SLEDAI) and British Isles Lupus Association Group (BILAG), were notably decreased (P<0.05). After therapy, laboratory parameters for disease control and renal function—including estimated creatinine, glomerular filtration rate, complement C3, blood urea nitrogen, urine protein, and albumin—were also considerably improved. At 12 months, the pooled rate of clinical remission was 28.1% and the total rate during follow-up was 33.7%; at 12 months, the pooled rate of death was 5.2% and the total rate during follow-up was 5.5%. Severe adverse events were rare and not linked with MSC treatment.