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.