Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Anti-Inflammatory Agents in Chronic Kidney Disease: 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)

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is largely driven by inflammation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show therapeutic potential; however, their efficacy across CKD etiologies remains unclear. Methods Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Google Scholar. Effect sizes for inflammation and renal function outcomes were meta-analyzed. Results Of 2514 studies screened, 52 met inclusion criteria (49 animal studies, 3 randomized controlled trials). In animal models, MSCs significantly reduced interleukin-6 (mean difference [MD] = -155.80; 95% CI: -249.10, -62.51; p = 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (MD = -35.53; 95% CI: -52.75, -18.30; p p = 0.32). Serum creatinine decreased in animals (MD = -0.38; 95% CI: -0.46, -0.29; p p = 0.39). Blood urea nitrogen decreased in animals (MD = -19.27; 95% CI: -23.50, -15.04; p p = 0.007), with no change in patients. Conclusion MSCs improve inflammation and renal function in CKD animal models; however, evidence in patients remains inconclusive.

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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