Application of fetal stem cells in CKD: Does it promise renal regeneration?

Introduction and Aims: Progression of glomerulosclerosis is inevitable in glomerular diseases and development of ESRD is relatively rapid than other causes of CKD. Application of stem cell therapy is one of the promising technology to regenerate own renal tissue, although it is very difficult due to complex tissue consisting of renal cells. Stem cells obtained from kidney tissue of fetus might be potentially effective approach to regenerate renal cells.We aimed to study efficacy of fetal renal stem cells in CKD caused by chronic glomerular diseases and determine the progression rate of CKD. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study, which included 17 patients with chronic glomerulonephritis stage 2-4 CKD, who completed three visits during the one year follow-up period. Fetal renal stem cells prepared from the kidney tissue of aborted fetus in 16-18 weeks of gestation. These stem cells cultivated in DMEM media and conserved in glycerin at - 80c. The study group received FRST via IV infusion according to study protocol every 6 months. Routine laboratory renal tests obtained during each visits. Patients were divided in to two groups according to GFR median (above and below 40 ml/min). First group included 8 patients (4 male and 4 female) and second group included 9 patients (4 male and 5 female). GFR decline rate calculated as ml/min/months. Results: All of two groups were comparable for age (39,5+/-14,8 vs 39,44+/-7,89 years), sex, disease duration and other clinical settings. Initial laboratory data and their changes after stem cell therapy are presented in Table 1. During the follow-up period, stable hemoglobin labels observed in both groups. GFR decline rate is presented in Table 2. Slow progression of renal failure observed after first injection of stem cells in first group and after second injection in second group. Conclusions: Treatment with fetal renal stem cells may be beneficial in kidney diseases caused by glomerular origin. Further studies with a large number of patients may help to achieve better results. (Table Presented).