Repair of spinal cord injury by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on rat models

This study investigates the potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (BMSCs-Exo) to repair spinal cord injuries (SCI). It compiles and analyzes data from 30 studies on rats with SCI. The research focuses on how BMSCs-Exo can improve motor function and reduce inflammation in rats after a spinal cord injury. It looks at various factors such as inflammatory responses, cell death (apoptosis), and nerve regeneration. The analysis suggests that BMSCs-Exo can significantly improve motor function, reduce inflammation, and promote nerve regeneration in rats with SCI. However, the authors caution that there are limitations in the study designs that may affect the strength of the evidence.

• 1
  BMSCs-Exo significantly improved the BBB score in SCI rats (WMD =  3.47, 95% CI [3.31, 3.63]), indicating improved motor function.
• 2
  BMSCs-Exo inhibited the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α (SMD  =  -3.12, 95% CI [−3.57, −2.67]) and promoted the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β.
• 3
  BMSCs-Exo significantly reduced apoptosis levels (SMD =  −4.52, 95% CI [−5.14, −3.89]), promoted axonal regeneration, and decreased astrogliosis.