The purpose of Zeng et al.’s review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
MSCs have been found to have powerful immune regulation functions, multi differentiation potential, and the ability to promote hematopoiesis and tissue repair. These stem cells have also been used in the treatment of refractory and severe autoimmune diseases, providing patients with several safe and effective new treatment options.
In order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MSCs in this capacity, Zeng et al. evaluated 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that involved the following autoimmune diseases: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), inflammatory bowel disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Animal model RCTs evaluating MSC transplantation in the treatment of RA have shown that disease activity was weakened, and clinical symptoms were improved after receiving mesenchymal stem cell transplantation (MSCT).
Treating SLE with MSCs has demonstrated the ability to control disease progression, improve immune system damage, and relieve the condition of lupus in mice models. Other clinical trials demonstrated that MSCs, when transplanted, have been found to be safe while also providing significant clinical therapeutic effects.
In terms of IBS, the authors report that immune dysfunction is believed to play a key role in the occurrence and development of ulcerative colitis. Recent studies also suggest that MSCs might help tissue regeneration by suppressing inappropriate immune responses and providing various cytokines.
Additional research also demonstrated that MSC treatment for 6 months may increase the total effective rate and improve pain and activity associated with ankylosing spondylitis, while more RCTs are needed before a conclusion can be made for the effectiveness of this therapy for MS.
Considering the information obtained as part of this study, Zeng et al. concluded that there were no adverse events associated with MSC transplantation observed in the RCTs that were analyzed. The authors also concluded that MSCs have a certain effect on different autoimmune diseases, but additional RCTs are required to further modify or confirm these findings.
Source: Zeng L, Yu G, Yang K, Xiang W, Li J, Chen H. Efficacy and Safety of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial. Stem Cells Int. 2022;2022:9463314. Published 2022 Mar 24. doi:10.1155/2022/9463314
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