-
Stem Cell Research & Therapy Apr 2023Perianal fistulas, characterised as granulomatous inflammation of fistulas around the anal canal, are associated with significant morbidity resulting in a negative... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Perianal fistulas, characterised as granulomatous inflammation of fistulas around the anal canal, are associated with significant morbidity resulting in a negative impact on quality of life and a tremendous burden to the healthcare system. Treatment of anal fistulas usually consists of anal surgery; however, results of closure rates are not satisfactory especially with complex perianal fistulas, after which many patients may suffer from anal incontinence. Recently, the administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has shown promising efficacy. Herein, we aim to explore whether MSCs are effective for complex perianal fistulas and if they have either short-term, medium-term, long-term or over-long-term efficacy. Additionally, we want to elucidate whether factors such as drug dosage, MSC source, cell type, and disease aetiology influence treatment efficacy. We searched four online databases and analysed data based on information within the clinical trials registry. The outcomes of eligible trials were analysed with Review Manager 5.4.1. Relative risk and related 95% confidence interval were calculated to compare the effect between the MSCs and control groups. In addition, the Cochrane risk of bias tool was applied to evaluate the bias risk of eligible studies. Meta-analyses showed that therapy with MSCs was superior to conventional treatment for complex perianal fistulas in short-, long- and over-long-term follow-up phases. However, there was no statistical difference in treatment efficacy in the medium term between the two methods. Subgroup meta-analyses showed factors including cell type, cell source and cell dosage were superior compared to the control, but there was no significant difference between different experimental groups of those factors. Besides, local MSCs therapy has shown more promising results for fistulas as a result of Crohn's Disease (CD). Although we tend to maintain that MSCs therapy is effective for cryptoglandular fistulas equally, more studies are needed to confirm this conclusion in the future.
SHORT CONCLUSION
MSCs Transplantation could be a new therapeutic method for complex perianal fistulas of both cryptoglandular and CD origin showing high efficacy in the short-term to over-long-term phases, as well as high efficacy in sustained healing. The difference in cell types, cell sources and cell dosages did not influence MSCs' efficacy.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Treatment Outcome; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Rectal Fistula; Crohn Disease
PubMed: 37101285
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03331-6 -
Stem Cell Research & Therapy Aug 2021We explored whether stem cell therapy was effective for animal models and patients with Crohn's disease (CD). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
We explored whether stem cell therapy was effective for animal models and patients with Crohn's disease (CD).
METHODS
We searched five online databases. The relative outcomes were analyzed with the aid of GetData Graph Digitizer 2.26 and Stata 16.0 software. The SYRCLE risk of bias tool and the MINORS tool were used to assess study quality.
RESULTS
We evaluated 46 studies including 28 animal works (n = 567) and 18 human trials (n = 360). In the animal studies, the disease activity index dramatically decreased in the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatment groups compared to the control group. Rats and mice receiving MSCs exhibited longer colons [mice: standardized mean difference (SMD) 2.84, P = 0.000; rats: SMD 1.44, P = 0.029], lower histopathological scores (mice: SMD - 4.58, p = 0.000; rats: SMD - 1.41, P = 0.000) and lower myeloperoxidase levels (SMD - 6.22, P = 0.000). In clinical trials, stem cell transplantation reduced the CD activity index (SMD - 2.10, P = 0.000), the CD endoscopic index of severity (SMD - 3.40, P = 0.000) and simplified endoscopy score for CD (SMD - 1.71, P = 0.000) and improved the inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire score (SMD 1.33, P = 0.305) compared to control values. CD patients maintained high remission rates for 3-24 months after transplantation.
CONCLUSIONS
Stem cell transplantation is a valuable supplementary therapy for CD.
Topics: Animals; Crohn Disease; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Mice; Rats
PubMed: 34407875
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02533-0 -
Blood Transfusion = Trasfusione Del... Mar 2023In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated ultrasound (US)-guided injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as conservative treatment of tendinopathies. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated ultrasound (US)-guided injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as conservative treatment of tendinopathies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, OVID, and the Cochrane Library to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) on the use of US-guided PRP for tendinopathies.
RESULTS
We found 33 RCT (2,025 subjects) that met our inclusion criteria: 8 in lateral epicondylitis, 5 in plantar fasciitis, 5 in Achilles tendinopathy, 7 in rotator cuff tendinopathy, 3 in patellar tendinopathy and 5 in carpal tunnel syndrome. PRP, given as a single injection (20 trials) or multiple injections (13 trials), was compared to US-guided injection of steroids, saline, autologous whole blood, local anesthetic, dry needling, prolotherapy, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, or with non-injective interventions. The outcomes more commonly reported included pain and functional measures, subgrouped as in the short-term (<3 months from the intervention), medium-term (3 to 6 months) or long-term (≥12 months). No clear between-group differences in these outcomes were observed in patients with lateral epicondylitis, plantar fasciitis, or Achilles, rotator cuff or patellar tendinopathy. In patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, visual analog scale scores for pain at 3 and 6 months and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire severity scores at 1, 3 and 6 months were significantly lower in PRP recipients than in controls. The certainty of evidence of all these comparisons was graded as low or very low due to risk of bias, imprecision and/or inconsistency. Pain at the injection site was more common among PRP recipients than among controls receiving other US-guided injections.
DISCUSSION
In patients with tendinopathies, a trend towards pain reduction and functional improvement from baseline was observed after US-guided PRP injection, but in the majority of the comparisons, the effect size was comparable to that observed in control groups.
Topics: Humans; Tennis Elbow; Fasciitis, Plantar; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Tendinopathy; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Ultrasonography, Interventional; Pain; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36346880
DOI: 10.2450/2022.0087-22 -
Nutrients Jun 2021A protective effect of vegan diets on health outcomes has been observed in previous studies, but its impact on diabetes is still debated. The aim of this review is to...
A protective effect of vegan diets on health outcomes has been observed in previous studies, but its impact on diabetes is still debated. The aim of this review is to assess the relationship between vegan diets and the risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) along with its effect on glycemic control and diabetes-related complications. In accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, Pubmed and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched for all relevant studies. Seven observational and eight randomized controlled (RCTs) studies were included. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for RCTs. We found that a vegan diet is associated with lower T2D prevalence or incidence and in T2D patients decreases high glucose values and improves glucose homeostasis, as reported from the majority of included studies. This approach seems to be comparable to other recommended healthful eating models, but as it may have potential adverse effects associated with the long-term exclusion of some nutrients, appropriate nutritional planning and surveillance are recommended, particularly in specific groups of diabetic patients such as frail elderly, adolescents, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Topics: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diet, Vegan; Female; Glycemic Control; Humans; Incidence; Male; Observational Studies as Topic; Prevalence; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 34205679
DOI: 10.3390/nu13062123 -
Cells Mar 2023Androgenetic alopecia is a condition that results in hair loss in both men and women. This can have a significant impact on a person's psychological well-being, which... (Review)
Review
Androgenetic alopecia is a condition that results in hair loss in both men and women. This can have a significant impact on a person's psychological well-being, which can lead to a decreased quality of life. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of using stem cells in androgenic alopecia. The search was conducted in MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The review was performed on data pertaining to the efficacy of using different types of stem cells in androgenic alopecia: quantitative results of stem cell usage were compared to the control treatment or, different types of treatment for female and male androgenetic alopecia. Of the outcomes, the density of hair was analyzed. Fourteen articles were selected for this review. During and after treatment with stem cells, no major side effects were reported by patients with alopecia. The use of stem cells in androgenic alopecia seems to be a promising alternative to the standard treatment or it could play the role of complementary therapy to improve the effect of primary treatment. However, these results should be interpreted with caution until they can be reproduced in larger and more representative samples.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Quality of Life; Alopecia; Hair; Stem Cells
PubMed: 36980291
DOI: 10.3390/cells12060951 -
Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Sep 2022The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of stem cell-based therapies on the treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) and the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of stem cell-based therapies on the treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) and the regeneration of cartilage/osteochondral defects.
METHODS
Data on preclinical studies evaluating the effectiveness of stem cell-based therapies for treating Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) were extracted from PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library and the grey literature by three independent reviewers. A manual search was performed in the databases, the reference list of review studies, and relevant journals in the field. Compliance with the ARRIVE guidelines was evaluated for quality assessment. SYRCLE's risk of bias tool for animal experimental studies was assessed to define internal validity.
RESULTS
After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Regardless of cell origin, stem cell-based therapeutic approaches induced protective, anti-inflammatory, and chondroregenerative potential in the treatment of TMJ-OA. Regeneration of the cartilage layer on the surface of the condyle was achieved when stem cells were directly flushed into the defect or when delivered within a carrier.
CONCLUSION
Stem cell-based therapies may be considered a promising approach for the treatment of TMJ-OA and for the regeneration of full-thickness cartilage and osteochondral defects in the TMJ. Human studies shall be performed to validate these results found in animals.
Topics: Animals; Cartilage, Articular; Humans; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Osteoarthritis; Regeneration; Temporomandibular Joint
PubMed: 35597373
DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2022.05.006 -
Archives of Medical Research Jan 2021Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs) are multipotent stem cells capable of renewing themselves and differentiation in vitro into different kinds of tissues. In vivo...
INTRODUCTION
Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs) are multipotent stem cells capable of renewing themselves and differentiation in vitro into different kinds of tissues. In vivo hMSCs are sources of trophic factors modulating the immune system and inducing intrinsic stem cells to repair damaged tissues. Currently, there are multiple clinical trials (CT) using hMSCs for therapeutic purposes in a large number of clinical settings.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The search strategy on clinicaltrials.gov has focused on the key term "Mesenchymal Stem Cells", and the inclusion and exclusion criteria were separated into two stages. Stage 1, CT on phases 1-4: location, the field of application, phase, and status. For stage 2, CT that have published outcome results: field of application, treatment, intervention model, source, preparation methods, and results.
RESULTS
By July 2020, there were a total of 1,138 registered CT. Most studies belong to either phase 2 (61.0%) or phase 1 (30.8%); most of them focused in the fields of traumatology, neurology, cardiology, and immunology. Only 18 clinical trials had published results: the most common source of isolation was bone marrow; the treatment varied from 1-200 M hMSCs; all of them have similar preparation methods; all of them have positive results with no serious adverse effects.
CONCLUSIONS
There appears to be a broad potential for the clinical use of hMSCs with no reported serious adverse events. There are many trials in progress, their future results will help to explore the therapeutic potential of these promising cellular sources of medicinal signals.
Topics: Cell Differentiation; Clinical Trials as Topic; Humans; Medicine; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Regenerative Medicine
PubMed: 32977984
DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2020.08.006 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Sep 2023The assurance of safety and effectiveness is a significant focal point in all therapeutic approaches. Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified as a... (Review)
Review
The assurance of safety and effectiveness is a significant focal point in all therapeutic approaches. Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified as a potential novel therapeutic strategy for multiple sclerosis (MS), existing evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of this strategy remains inconclusive. Thus, the primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) was to comprehensively assess the effectiveness and safety of MSC therapy in individuals diagnosed with MS. A comprehensive search was conducted using appropriate keywords in the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases to determine the eligible studies. The change in the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score from baseline to follow-up was used to assess MSC efficacy. The effectiveness of the therapy was assessed using a random-effects model, which calculated the combined prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for MS patients who experienced improvement, stability, or worsening of their condition. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020209671). The findings indicate that 40.4% (95% CI: 30.6-50.2) of MS patients exhibited improvements following MSC therapy, 32.8% (95% CI: 25.5-40.1) remained stable, and 18.1% (95% CI: 12.0-24.2) experienced a worsening of their condition. Although no major complications were observed, headaches 57.6 [37.9-77.3] and fever 53.1 [20.7-85.4] were commonly reported as minor adverse events. All of the results reported in this meta-analysis are consistent and credible according to the sensitivity analyses. Regardless of different individual studies, our meta-analysis provides a comprehensive overview showing the potential of MSC therapy as a possible effective treatment strategy for patients with MS.
PubMed: 37834955
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196311 -
International Journal of Stem Cells May 2018Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have emerged as breakthrough treatments for myocardial infarction. However, the efficacy of MSC remains unclear. The aim of the study was to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have emerged as breakthrough treatments for myocardial infarction. However, the efficacy of MSC remains unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate treatment effect of MSC in terms of mechanical, regenerative, and clinical outcomes for patients with myocardial infarction (MI) using meta-analysis.
METHODS
A systematic search and critical review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane database literature published from inception through December 2017 was performed. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials, studies on patients with myocardial infarction, and studies compared with placebo as a control group.
RESULTS
A total of 950 patients from 14 randomized placebo controlled trials were included in the final meta-analysis. MSC treatment showed benefits for mechanical, regenerative, and clinical outcomes. In terms of mechanical outcomes, the LVEF of the MSC treatment group increased by 3.84% (95% CI: 2.32~5.35, ²=43) and the effect was maintained for up to 24 months. Regenerative outcomes were measured by scar mass and WMSI. Scar mass was reduced by -1.13 (95% CI: -1.80 to -0.46, ²=71) and WMSI was reduced by -0.05 (95% CI: -0.07 to -0.03, ²=45) at 6 months after MSC treatment. Mortality rate and incidence of re-hospitalization for HF in MSC group patients trended toward reduced incidence compared to the control group, although this was not statistically significant because of the low event rate.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this meta-analysis indicate that MSCs can be beneficial in improving heart function in the treatment of MI. However, the efficacy of MSCs must be further explored through large randomized controlled trials based on rigorous research design.
PubMed: 29482311
DOI: 10.15283/ijsc17061 -
Neural Regeneration Research Nov 2023Although there are challenges in treating traumatic central nervous system diseases, mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have recently proven...
Although there are challenges in treating traumatic central nervous system diseases, mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have recently proven to be a promising non-cellular therapy. We comprehensively evaluated the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in traumatic central nervous system diseases in this meta-analysis based on preclinical studies. Our meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022327904, May 24, 2022). To fully retrieve the most relevant articles, the following databases were thoroughly searched: PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, and Ovid-Embase (up to April 1, 2022). The included studies were preclinical studies of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles for traumatic central nervous system diseases. The Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE)'s risk of bias tool was used to examine the risk of publication bias in animal studies. After screening 2347 studies, 60 studies were included in this study. A meta-analysis was conducted for spinal cord injury (n = 52) and traumatic brain injury (n = 8). The results indicated that mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles treatment prominently promoted motor function recovery in spinal cord injury animals, including rat Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale scores (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 2.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.96-2.76, P < 0.01, I = 71%) and mouse Basso Mouse Scale scores (SMD = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.57-3.04, P = 0.01, I = 60%) compared with controls. Further, mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles treatment significantly promoted neurological recovery in traumatic brain injury animals, including the modified Neurological Severity Score (SMD = -4.48, 95% CI: -6.12 to -2.84, P < 0.01, I = 79%) and Foot Fault Test (SMD = -3.26, 95% CI: -4.09 to -2.42, P = 0.28, I = 21%) compared with controls. Subgroup analyses showed that characteristics may be related to the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles. For Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale scores, the efficacy of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles was higher than that of xenogeneic mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (allogeneic: SMD = 2.54, 95% CI: 2.05-3.02, P = 0.0116, I = 65.5%; xenogeneic: SMD: 1.78, 95%CI: 1.1-2.45, P = 0.0116, I = 74.6%). Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles separated by ultrafiltration centrifugation combined with density gradient ultracentrifugation (SMD = 3.58, 95% CI: 2.62-4.53, P < 0.0001, I = 31%) may be more effective than other EV isolation methods. For mouse Basso Mouse Scale scores, placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles worked better than bone mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (placenta: SMD = 5.25, 95% CI: 2.45-8.06, P = 0.0421, I = 0%; bone marrow: SMD = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.23-2.41, P = 0.0421, I = 0%). For modified Neurological Severity Score, bone marrow-derived MSC-EVs worked better than adipose-derived MSC-EVs (bone marrow: SMD = -4.86, 95% CI: -6.66 to -3.06, P = 0.0306, I = 81%; adipose: SMD = -2.37, 95% CI: -3.73 to -1.01, P = 0.0306, I = 0%). Intravenous administration (SMD = -5.47, 95% CI: -6.98 to -3.97, P = 0.0002, I = 53.3%) and dose of administration equal to 100 μg (SMD = -5.47, 95% CI: -6.98 to -3.97, P < 0.0001, I = 53.3%) showed better results than other administration routes and doses. The heterogeneity of studies was small, and sensitivity analysis also indicated stable results. Last, the methodological quality of all trials was mostly satisfactory. In conclusion, in the treatment of traumatic central nervous system diseases, mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles may play a crucial role in promoting motor function recovery.
PubMed: 37282470
DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.371376