A Meta-Analysis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Animal Models of Parkinson's Disease

Stem Cells Dev. 2015 Sep 15;24(18):2082-90. doi: 10.1089/scd.2015.0127. Epub 2015 Jul 2.

Abstract

Multiple studies have been performed to evaluate the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD). We performed a meta-analysis to estimate the treatment effect of unmodified MSCs on behavioral outcomes in preclinical studies of PD. We performed a systematic literature search to identify studies that used behavioral testing to evaluate the treatment effect of unmodified MSCs in PD models. Meta-analysis was used to determine pooled effect size for rotational behavior and limb function, and meta-regression was performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. Twenty-five studies, including three delivery routes, a wide range of doses, and multiple PD models, were examined. Significant improvement was seen in the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) for both rotational behavior [SMD: 1.24, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.84, 1.64] and limb function (SMD: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.01, 1.66). Using meta-regression, intravenous administration and higher dose had a larger effect on limb function. Treatment with MSCs improves behavioral outcomes in PD models. Our analyses suggest that MSCs could be considered for early-stage clinical trials in the treatment of PD.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy / methods*
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Extremities / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Mice
  • Parkinson Disease / therapy*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Rats, Wistar