Immunological indexes
’ venous blood samples
Patients’ venous blood samples were drawn at 6:00–8:00 am prior to administration of ADSCs injection and at each follow-up. Serum samples were transported at − 20 °C and kept at − 80 °C in a freezer until analysis. Immunological indexes, including IgA, IgG, IgM, complement 3 (C3), complement 4 (C4) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), were analyzed using a flow cytometer (Beckman Coulter®, Fullerton, CA).