Evaluation of the Efficacy of Stem Cell Therapy in Animal Models of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Based on Imaging Indicators: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. (31st August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Wenhao; Zhao, He; Xiong, Zhencheng; Li, Chuanhong; Guan, Jianbin; Liu, Tao; Yang, Yongdong; Yu, Xing
• Other Names: Ruan Dike Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Stem cells international. Volume 2022(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-08-31
• Subjects: Stem Cells -- Periodicals; Stem Cells -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; Stem Cells -- Transplantation -- Periodicals; 616.0277405
• DOI: 10.1155/2022/2482653
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-966X

Abstract

Abstract : Objective . The purpose of this study is to make a systematic review of the therapeutic effect of stem cells in animal models of disc degeneration from an imaging point of view. Methods . Data were extracted by searching electronic databases for RCTs that met the inclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 and STATA 15.1 software. This meta-analysis was registered with INPLASY, registration number INPLASY202240148. Results . A total of 34 studies were included, covering four species of animals, rabbits, sheep, rats, and mice, with a total of 1163 intervertebral discs. In terms of DHI, the efficacy of stem cell group in rabbits (P < 0.001 ), mice (P < 0.001 ), sheep (P < 0.001 ), and rats (P = 0.001 ) was better than that in control group. In terms of disc height, the efficacy of stem cell group in rats (P < 0.001 ) was better than that in control group, while in sheep (P = 0.355 ), there was no statistical difference between two groups. In terms of MRI index, the efficacy of stem cell group in rats (P < 0.001 ), mice (P < 0.001 ), and rabbits (P = 0.016 ) was better than that in control group. In terms of MRI signal score, the efficacy of stem cell group in rabbits (P < 0.001 ) was better than that of control group. In terms of T2 signal intensity, stem cell group was more effective than control group in rabbits (P < 0.001 ), mice (P < 0.001 ), and rats (P = 0.003 ). Conclusion . Stem cell therapy can improve intervertebral disc-related imaging parameters in animal models of disc degeneration, indicating that stem cell therapy has a repairing effect on intervertebral discs. However, given the heterogeneity and limitations of this study, this conclusion still needs to be tested by a large number of studies.