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

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

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 P P P = 0.001) was better than that in control group. In terms of disc height, the efficacy of stem cell group in rats ( P 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 P 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 P P 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.

Evidence level

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

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