Neural stem/progenitor cell therapy for Alzheimer disease in preclinical rodent models: 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 Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory impairments, and there is no effective therapy. Neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) has emerged as potential novel therapy for AD, and we aim to explore whether neural stem/progenitor cell therapy was effective for rodent models of AD. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science up to December 6, 2022. The outcomes included cognitive function, pathological features and BDNF. The GetData Graph Digitizer software (version 2.26) was applied to extract numerical values, and RevMan 5.3 and Stata 16 were used to analyze data. The SYRCLE risk of bias tool was used to assess study quality. Results We evaluated 22 mice studies and 8 rat studies. Compared to control groups, cognitive function of NSPC groups of both mice studies (SMD = - 1.96, 95% CI - 2.47 to - 1.45, I 2 = 75%, P 2 = 77%, P = 0.0005) was apparently improved. In mice studies, NSPC group has lower Aβ deposition (SMD = - 0.96, 95% CI - 1.40 to - 0.52, P 2 = 65%, P = 0.009) and genetically modified (SMD = - 1.29, 95% CI - 1.92 to - 0.66, I 2 = 60%, P Conclusions Our results suggested that NSPC therapy could improve the cognitive function and slow down the progression of AD. Due to the limitations of models, more animal trials and clinical trials are needed.

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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