Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles therapy in traumatic central nervous system diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Neural Regeneration Research, 2023 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.371376 · Published: March 31, 2023

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) as a non-cellular therapy for traumatic central nervous system diseases. The meta-analysis examines preclinical studies using MSC-EVs to treat spinal cord injury (SCI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) in animal models. The review explores factors such as MSC origin, EV isolation methods, subtypes, and dosage regimens to optimize the therapeutic efficacy of MSC-EVs.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Animal models of spinal cord injury (n = 52) and traumatic brain injury (n = 8)

Evidence Level

Meta-analysis of preclinical studies

Key Findings

1
MSC-EVs treatment significantly promoted motor function recovery in spinal cord injury animals, based on rat and mouse locomotor rating scales.
2
MSC-EVs treatment significantly promoted neurological recovery in traumatic brain injury animals, as indicated by modified Neurological Severity Score and Foot Fault Test results.
3
Subgroup analyses revealed that allogeneic MSC-EVs, specific EV isolation methods, and certain MSC sources (e.g., placenta-derived) showed better therapeutic effects.

Research Summary

This systematic review and meta-analysis comprehensively evaluated the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) in treating traumatic central nervous system diseases, focusing on preclinical studies. The results indicated that MSC-EVs treatment significantly promoted motor function recovery in spinal cord injury animals and neurological recovery in traumatic brain injury animals. Subgroup analyses identified factors such as allogeneic administration, specific EV isolation methods, and certain MSC sources that may enhance the therapeutic effect of MSC-EVs.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

MSC-EVs show promise as a non-cellular therapy for promoting motor and neurological recovery in traumatic CNS injuries.

Optimizing Treatment

The study highlights the importance of considering factors like MSC source, EV isolation method, and administration route to maximize therapeutic efficacy.

Translational Research

The findings provide a foundation for future standardization of preclinical trials and clinical translation of MSC-EVs therapies.

Study Limitations

1
The body weight of the rat was not considered.
2
The number of studies and sample size of other outcome indicators are very small, which may cause risk of bias.
3
There was a significant publication bias in the funnel plot for visual inspection of rat BBB scores.

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