Statistical Analysis
Statistical analysis was carried out using SigmaStat software version 3.5 (Systat Software Inc., Erkrath, Germany). Results are presented as median (interquartile range, range). Statistical comparisons were made using non-parametric statistics. Differences within each group before and after induction of sepsis were tested using Friedman ANOVA on ranks and, subsequently, Dunn's test for multiple comparisons. The Mann-Whitney rank sum test was performed to compare data between treatment groups (CONTROL vs. MSC-CONTROL; SEPSIS vs. MSC-SEPSIS). A p < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.