Therapeutic Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cells at the Level of Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review.
Shahrzad Najafi, Parizad Najafi, Mohammad Amin Bayat Tork et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in multiple sclerosis (MS) by analyzing 17 publications, including five randomized controlled trials. While a large trial of intravenous MSCs showed no significant improvement in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), intrathecal administration and umbilical cord-derived MSCs indicated potential benefits in disability measures and a significant reduction in neurofilament light chain levels, suggesting neuroprotective effects.
Key findings
- A large trial of intravenous bone marrow-derived MSCs showed no significant improvement in EDSS.
- Intrathecal MSC administration was associated with a significant reduction in cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light chain levels.
- Trials using umbilical cord-derived MSCs reported potential benefits in disability and functional measures.
- MSC therapy demonstrated an excellent safety profile with no serious treatment-related adverse events.
Why it matters
The findings highlight the potential of MSC therapy in managing multiple sclerosis, particularly through specific administration routes that may offer neuroprotective benefits. Understanding these effects can guide future therapeutic strategies.
What to keep in mind
Significant methodological heterogeneity and short follow-up periods across trials limit definitive conclusions.