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René CA, Parks RJ. Bioengineering extracellular vesicle cargo for optimal therapeutic efficiency. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101259. [PMID: 38770107 PMCID: PMC11103572 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have the innate ability to carry proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids between cells, and thus these vesicles have gained much attention as potential therapeutic delivery vehicles. Many strategies have been explored to enhance the loading of specific cargoes of interest into EVs, which could result in the delivery of more therapeutic to recipient cells, thus enhancing therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we discuss the natural biogenesis of EVs, the mechanism by which proteins and nucleic acids are selected for inclusion in EVs, and novel methods that have been employed to enhance loading of specific cargoes into EVs. As well, we discuss biodistribution of administered EVs in vivo and summarize clinical trials that have attempted to harness the therapeutic potential of EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A. René
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Robin J. Parks
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
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2
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Lu W, Yan L, Tang X, Wang X, Du J, Zou Z, Li L, Ye J, Zhou L. Efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells therapy in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Transl Med 2024; 22:550. [PMID: 38851730 PMCID: PMC11162060 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05358-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a serious public health issue. In COVID-19 patients, the elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines lead to the manifestation of COVID-19 symptoms, such as lung tissue edema, lung diffusion dysfunction, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), secondary infection, and ultimately mortality. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, thus providing a potential treatment option for COVID-19. The number of clinical trials of MSCs for COVID-19 has been rising. However, the treatment protocols and therapeutic effects of MSCs for COVID-19 patients are inconsistent. This meta-analysis was performed to systematically determine the safety and efficacy of MSC infusion in COVID-19 patients. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive literature search from PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library up to 22 November 2023 to screen for eligible randomized controlled trials. Inclusion and exclusion criteria for searched literature were formulated according to the PICOS principle, followed by the use of literature quality assessment tools to assess the risk of bias. Finally, outcome measurements including therapeutic efficacy, clinical symptoms, and adverse events of each study were extracted for statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 14 randomized controlled trials were collected. The results of enrolled studies demonstrated that patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who received MSC inoculation showed a decreased mortality compared with counterparts who received conventional treatment (RR: 0.76; 95% CI [0.60, 0.96]; p = 0.02). Reciprocally, MSC inoculation improved the clinical symptoms in patients (RR: 1.28; 95% CI [1.06, 1.55]; p = 0.009). In terms of immune biomarkers, MSC treatment inhibited inflammation responses in COVID-19 patients, as was indicated by the decreased levels of CRP and IL-6. Importantly, our results showed that no significant differences in the incidence of adverse reactions or serious adverse events were monitored in patients after MSC inoculation. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis demonstrated that MSC inoculation is effective and safe in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Without increasing the incidence of adverse events or serious adverse events, MSC treatment decreased patient mortality and inflammatory levels and improved the clinical symptoms in COVID-19 patients. However, large-cohort randomized controlled trials with expanded numbers of patients are required to further confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenming Lu
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gannan Medical University, GanZhou City, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
- The First Clinical College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Longxiang Yan
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gannan Medical University, GanZhou City, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
- The First Clinical College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingkun Tang
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gannan Medical University, GanZhou City, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuesong Wang
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gannan Medical University, GanZhou City, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Du
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gannan Medical University, GanZhou City, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengwei Zou
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Lincai Li
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Junsong Ye
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
- Jiangxi Provincal Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangxi Provincal Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.
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Yusof B, Kamal I, Lee KM, Chai SK, Zuo XL, Ravichandran M, Ding KX, Fuloria NK, Tham SK. A case series on safety and tolerability of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells on patients in Malaysia. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2024; 12:2050313X241249622. [PMID: 38694904 PMCID: PMC11062224 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x241249622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative therapy are a promising treatment option for chronic illnesses. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells offer several advantages over other sources, which makes them an attractive option in tissue repair and regeneration. This clinical study describes a 1-year follow-up on the safety and tolerance of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy on nine patients in Malaysia. Patients were assessed for adverse effects, and liver function tests were carried out on both pre- and post-treatments. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells' effectiveness and safety were assessed by follow-up evaluations. All nine patients responded positively towards umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy, without any adverse effects. After umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy, a significant improvement was observed in liver functioning test outcomes, as haematological parameters and tumour markers were stable. The present study concludes that umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy is well tolerated by Malaysian patients; however, further clinical screening must be done over a large number of patients population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basmullah Yusof
- ALPS Medical Centre, ALPS Global Holding, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Ka Man Lee
- Celestialab Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Xia Lin Zuo
- ALPS Medical Centre, ALPS Global Holding, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Institute of Neurosciences, Guangzhou Medical University Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Manickam Ravichandran
- Mygenome, ALPS Global Holding, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, AIMST University, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Ke Xiang Ding
- ALPS Medical Centre, ALPS Global Holding, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Southern Medical University of China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Neeraj Kumar Fuloria
- Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, Kedah, Malaysia
- Centre for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Vij R, Kim H, Park H, Cheng T, Lotfi D, Chang D. Adipose-derived, autologous mesenchymal stem cell therapy for patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome: an intermediate-size expanded access program. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:287. [PMID: 37798650 PMCID: PMC10557203 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03522-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evolving mutations of the novel coronavirus continue to fuel up the pandemic. The virus affects the human respiratory system along with other body systems, causing several sequelae in the survivors of the disease, presented as post-COVID-19 syndrome or long-COVID-19. This protocol utilized Hope Biosciences' autologous, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HB-adMSCs) to evaluate safety and efficacy of HB-adMSC therapy to improve signs and symptoms associated with post-COVID-19 syndrome. METHODS Ten eligible subjects with post-COVID-19 syndrome were enrolled in the program for a duration of 40 weeks who received 5 intravenous infusions of 2 × 108 autologous HB-adMSCs each at week 0, 2, 6, 10 and 14 with a follow-up at week 18 and end of the study at week 40. Safety assessments included incidence of adverse and serious adverse events along with the laboratory measures of hematologic, hepatic, and renal function. Efficacy was examined by quality-of-life assessments, fatigue assessments, Visual analog scale (VAS) of symptoms and monitoring of respiration and oxygen saturation rates. RESULTS VAS scores and Fatigue Assessment scores (FAS) showed significant improvements post-treatment (P = 0.0039, ES = 0.91) compared to baseline. Respiration rates and oxygen saturation levels that were within the normal range at the baseline remained unchanged at the end of the study (EOS). Paired comparison between baseline and EOS for short-form-36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36) scores also showed improved quality-of-life with significant improvements in individual SF-36 evaluations. Mostly mild AEs were reported during the study period with no incidence of serious AEs. Also, no detrimental effects in laboratory values were seen. CONCLUSIONS The results of the expanded access program indicated that treatment with autologous HB-adMSCs resulted in significant improvements in the signs and symptoms associated with post-COVID-19 syndrome as assessed by VAS and FAS scores. Additionally, improvements in the patients' quality-of-life as demonstrated using SF-36 scores that also showed significant improvements in individual scaled scores. Overall, administration of multiple infusions of autologous HB-adMSCs is safe and efficacious for improvements in the quality-of life of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical trial registration number: NCT04798066. Registered on March 15, 2021. ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04798066?term=hope+biosciences&cond=Post-COVID-19+Syndrome&draw=2&rank=2 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ridhima Vij
- Hope Biosciences Research Foundation, 16700 Creek Bend Dr., Sugar Land, TX, 77478, USA.
| | - Hosu Kim
- Hope Biosciences, Sugar Land, TX, 77478, USA
| | | | - Thanh Cheng
- Hope Biosciences Research Foundation, 16700 Creek Bend Dr., Sugar Land, TX, 77478, USA
| | - Djamchid Lotfi
- Hope Biosciences Research Foundation, 16700 Creek Bend Dr., Sugar Land, TX, 77478, USA
| | - Donna Chang
- Hope Biosciences Research Foundation, 16700 Creek Bend Dr., Sugar Land, TX, 77478, USA
- Hope Biosciences, Sugar Land, TX, 77478, USA
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Zarrabi M, Shahrbaf MA, Nouri M, Shekari F, Hosseini SE, Hashemian SMR, Aliannejad R, Jamaati H, Khavandgar N, Alemi H, Madani H, Nazari A, Amini A, Hassani SN, Abbasi F, Jarooghi N, Fallah N, Taghiyar L, Ganjibakhsh M, Hajizadeh-Saffar E, Vosough M, Baharvand H. Allogenic mesenchymal stromal cells and their extracellular vesicles in COVID-19 induced ARDS: a randomized controlled trial. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:169. [PMID: 37365605 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03402-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The main causes of death in patients with severe Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) are acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multiorgan failure caused by a severe inflammatory cascade. Novel treatment strategies, such as stem-cell-based therapy and their derivatives can be used to relieve inflammation in these cases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of therapy using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and their derived extracellular vesicles in COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS COVID-19 patients with ARDS were included in this study and allocated into two study and control groups using block randomization. While all patients received recommended treatment based on guidelines from the national advisory committee for COVID-19 pandemic, the two intervention groups received two consecutive injections of MSCs (100 × 106 cells) or one dose of MSCs (100 × 106 cells) followed by one dose of MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). Patients were assessed for safety and efficacy by evaluating clinical symptoms, laboratory parameters, and inflammatory markers at baseline and 48 h after the second intervention. RESULTS A total number of 43 patients (the MSC alone group = 11, MSC plus EV group = 8, and control group = 24) were included in the final analysis. Mortality was reported in three patients in the MSC alone group (RR: 0.49; 95% CI 0.14-1.11; P = 0.08); zero patient in the MSC plus EV group (RR: 0.08; 95% CI 0.005-1.26; P = 0.07) and eight patients in the control group. MSC infusion was associated with a decrease in inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 (P = 0.015), TNF-α (P = 0.034), IFN-γ (P = 0.024), and CRP (P = 0.041). CONCLUSION MSCs and their extracellular vesicles can significantly reduce the serum levels of inflammatory markers in COVID-19 patients, with no serious adverse events. Trial registration IRCT, IRCT registration number: IRCT20200217046526N2. Registered 13th April 2020, http://www.irct.ir/trial/47073 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Zarrabi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Shahrbaf
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Nouri
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Shekari
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product Technology Development Center (ATMP-TDC), Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh-Esmat Hosseini
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed-Mohammad Reza Hashemian
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasoul Aliannejad
- Pulmonary Department, Thoracic Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Jamaati
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Naghmeh Khavandgar
- Pulmonary Department, Thoracic Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hediyeh Alemi
- Pulmonary Department, Thoracic Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hoda Madani
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdoreza Nazari
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product Technology Development Center (ATMP-TDC), Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Amini
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product Technology Development Center (ATMP-TDC), Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Nafiseh Hassani
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product Technology Development Center (ATMP-TDC), Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Abbasi
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product Technology Development Center (ATMP-TDC), Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Jarooghi
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product Technology Development Center (ATMP-TDC), Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasrin Fallah
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product Technology Development Center (ATMP-TDC), Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Taghiyar
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meysam Ganjibakhsh
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product Technology Development Center (ATMP-TDC), Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ensiyeh Hajizadeh-Saffar
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product Technology Development Center (ATMP-TDC), Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Developmental Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
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Mattoli S, Schmidt M. Investigational Use of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells and Their Secretome as Add-On Therapy in Severe Respiratory Virus Infections: Challenges and Perspectives. Adv Ther 2023; 40:2626-2692. [PMID: 37069355 PMCID: PMC10109238 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02507-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Serious manifestations of respiratory virus infections such as influenza and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are associated with a dysregulated immune response and systemic inflammation. Treating the immunological/inflammatory dysfunction with glucocorticoids, Janus kinase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies against the interleukin-6 receptor has significantly reduced the risk of respiratory failure and death in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19, but the proportion of those requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and dying because of respiratory failure remains elevated. Treatment of severe influenza-associated pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with available immunomodulators and anti-inflammatory compounds is still not recommended. New therapies are therefore needed to reduce the use of IMV and the risk of death in hospitalized patients with rapidly increasing oxygen demand and systemic inflammation who do not respond to the current standard of care. This paper provides a critical assessment of the published clinical trials that have tested the investigational use of intravenously administered allogeneic mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived secretome with putative immunomodulatory/antiinflammatory/regenerative properties as add-on therapy to improve the outcome of these patients. Increased survival rates are reported in 5 of 12 placebo-controlled or open-label comparative trials involving patients with severe and critical COVID-19 and in the only study concerning patients with influenza-associated ARDS. Results are encouraging but inconclusive for the following reasons: small number of patients tested in each trial; differences in concomitant treatments and respiratory support; imbalances between study arms; differences in MSC source, MSC-derived product, dosing and starting time of the investigational therapy; insufficient/inappropriate reporting of clinical data. Solutions are proposed for improving the clinical development plan, with the aim of facilitating regulatory approval of the MSC-based investigational therapy for life-threatening respiratory virus infections in the future. Major issues are the absence of a biomarker predicting responsiveness to MSCs and MSC-derived secretome and the lack of pharmacoeconomic evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Mattoli
- Center of Expertise in Research and Innovation of the International Network for the Advancement of Viable and Applicable Innovations in Life Sciences (InAvail), InAvail at Rosental Nexxt, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- Avail Biomedical Research Institute, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Schmidt
- Avail Biomedical Research Institute, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Discovery and Translational Research Center, 80539 Munich, Germany
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Sanchez-Petitto G, Rezvani K, Daher M, Rafei H, Kebriaei P, Shpall EJ, Olson A. Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation: Connecting Its Origin to Its Future. Stem Cells Transl Med 2023; 12:55-71. [PMID: 36779789 PMCID: PMC9985112 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szac086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an attractive alternative source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The unique properties of cord blood and its distinct immune tolerance and engraftment kinetics compared to bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood progenitor cells, permit a wider disparity in human leukocyte antigen levels between a cord blood donor and recipient after an unrelated umbilical cord blood transplant (UCBT). In addition, it is readily available and has a lowered risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), with similar long-term clinical outcomes, compared to BM transplants. However, the relatively low number of cells administered by UCB units, as well as the associated delayed engraftment and immune reconstitution, pose limitations to the wide application of UCBT. Research into several aspects of UCBT has been evaluated, including the ex vivo expansion of cord blood HSCs and the process of fucosylation to enhance engraftment. Additionally, UCB has also been used in the treatment of several neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders with varying degrees of success. In this article, we will discuss the biology, clinical indications, and benefits of UCBT in pediatric and adult populations. We will also discuss future directions for the use of cord blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Sanchez-Petitto
- Department of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - May Daher
- Department of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hind Rafei
- Department of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Partow Kebriaei
- Department of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Shpall
- Department of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Amanda Olson
- Department of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Bukreieva T, Svitina H, Nikulina V, Vega A, Chybisov O, Shablii I, Ustymenko A, Nemtinov P, Lobyntseva G, Skrypkina I, Shablii V. Treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Caused by COVID-19 with Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054435. [PMID: 36901868 PMCID: PMC10003440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the impact of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on the safety and clinical outcomes of patients with severe COVID-19. This research focused on how lung functional status, miRNA, and cytokine levels changed following mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia and their correlation with fibrotic changes in the lung. This study involved 15 patients following conventional anti-viral treatment (Control group) and 13 patients after three consecutive doses of combined treatment with MSC transplantation (MCS group). ELISA was used to measure cytokine levels, real-time qPCR for miRNA expression, and lung computed tomography (CT) imaging to grade fibrosis. Data were collected on the day of patient admission (day 0) and on the 7th, 14th, and 28th days of follow-up. A lung CT assay was performed on weeks 2, 8, 24, and 48 after the beginning of hospitalization. The relationship between levels of biomarkers in peripheral blood and lung function parameters was investigated using correlation analysis. We confirmed that triple MSC transplantation in individuals with severe COVID-19 was safe and did not cause severe adverse reactions. The total score of lung CT between patients from the Control and MSC groups did not differ significantly on weeks 2, 8, and 24 after the beginning of hospitalization. However, on week 48, the CT total score was 12 times lower in patients in the MSC group (p ≤ 0.05) compared to the Control group. In the MSC group, this parameter gradually decreased from week 2 to week 48 of observation, whereas in the Control group, a significant drop was observed up to week 24 and remained unchanged afterward. In our study, MSC therapy improved lymphocyte recovery. The percentage of banded neutrophils in the MSC group was significantly lower in comparison with control patients on day 14. Inflammatory markers such as ESR and CRP decreased more rapidly in the MSC group in comparison to the Control group. The plasma levels of surfactant D, a marker of alveocyte type II damage, decreased after MSC transplantation for four weeks in contrast to patients in the Control group, in whom slight elevations were observed. We first showed that MSC transplantation in severe COVID-19 patients led to the elevation of the plasma levels of IP-10, MIP-1α, G-CSF, and IL-10. However, the plasma levels of inflammatory markers such as IL-6, MCP-1, and RAGE did not differ between groups. MSC transplantation had no impact on the relative expression levels of miR-146a, miR-27a, miR-126, miR-221, miR-21, miR-133, miR-92a-3p, miR-124, and miR-424. In vitro, UC-MSC exhibited an immunomodulatory impact on PBMC, increasing neutrophil activation, phagocytosis, and leukocyte movement, activating early T cell markers, and decreasing effector and senescent effector T cell maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetiana Bukreieva
- Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Functional Genomics, National Academy of Science, 150 Zabolotnogo Str., 03143 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Placenta Stem Cell Laboratory, Cryobank, Institute of Cell Therapy, 03035 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Hanna Svitina
- Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Functional Genomics, National Academy of Science, 150 Zabolotnogo Str., 03143 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Placenta Stem Cell Laboratory, Cryobank, Institute of Cell Therapy, 03035 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Viktoriia Nikulina
- Placenta Stem Cell Laboratory, Cryobank, Institute of Cell Therapy, 03035 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Alyona Vega
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine, 04112 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Oleksii Chybisov
- Endoscopic Unit, CNE Kyiv City Clinical Hospital # 4, 03110 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Iuliia Shablii
- Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Functional Genomics, National Academy of Science, 150 Zabolotnogo Str., 03143 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Alina Ustymenko
- Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Cultures, Department of Cell and Tissue Technologies, Institute of Genetic and Regenerative Medicine, State Institution, 04114 Kyiv, Ukraine
- National Scientific Center “Institute of Cardiology, Clinical and Regenerative Medicine n.a. M. D. Strazhesko”, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, 03680 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology and Immunology, D. F. Chebotarev State Institute of Gerontology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, 04114 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Petro Nemtinov
- Placenta Stem Cell Laboratory, Cryobank, Institute of Cell Therapy, 03035 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Coordination Center for Transplantation of Organs, Tissues and Cells, Ministry of Health of Ukraine, 01021 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Galyna Lobyntseva
- Placenta Stem Cell Laboratory, Cryobank, Institute of Cell Therapy, 03035 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Inessa Skrypkina
- Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Functional Genomics, National Academy of Science, 150 Zabolotnogo Str., 03143 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (V.S.)
| | - Volodymyr Shablii
- Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Functional Genomics, National Academy of Science, 150 Zabolotnogo Str., 03143 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Placenta Stem Cell Laboratory, Cryobank, Institute of Cell Therapy, 03035 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (V.S.)
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9
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Thanaskody K, Jusop AS, Tye GJ, Wan Kamarul Zaman WS, Dass SA, Nordin F. MSCs vs. iPSCs: Potential in therapeutic applications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1005926. [PMID: 36407112 PMCID: PMC9666898 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1005926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 2 decades, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted a lot of interest as a unique therapeutic approach for a variety of diseases. MSCs are capable of self-renewal and multilineage differentiation capacity, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties allowing it to play a role in regenerative medicine. Furthermore, MSCs are low in tumorigenicity and immune privileged, which permits the use of allogeneic MSCs for therapies that eliminate the need to collect MSCs directly from patients. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be generated from adult cells through gene reprogramming with ectopic expression of specific pluripotency factors. Advancement in iPS technology avoids the destruction of embryos to make pluripotent cells, making it free of ethical concerns. iPSCs can self-renew and develop into a plethora of specialized cells making it a useful resource for regenerative medicine as they may be created from any human source. MSCs have also been used to treat individuals infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. MSCs have undergone more clinical trials than iPSCs due to high tumorigenicity, which can trigger oncogenic transformation. In this review, we discussed the overview of mesenchymal stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. We briefly present therapeutic approaches and COVID-19-related diseases using MSCs and iPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalaiselvaan Thanaskody
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Amirah Syamimi Jusop
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gee Jun Tye
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Malaysia
| | - Wan Safwani Wan Kamarul Zaman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Centre for Innovation in Medical Engineering (CIME), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sylvia Annabel Dass
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Malaysia
| | - Fazlina Nordin
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,*Correspondence: Fazlina Nordin,
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10
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Yang CW, Chen RD, Zhu QR, Han SJ, Kuang MJ. Efficacy of umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells for COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:923286. [PMID: 36105796 PMCID: PMC9467457 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.923286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives A major challenge for COVID-19 therapy is dysregulated immune response associated with the disease. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) may be a promising candidate for COVID-19 treatment owing to their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory functions. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of UC-MSCs inpatients with COVID-19. Method Medline, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched to collect clinical trials concerning UC-MSCs for the treatment of COVID-19. After literature screening, quality assessment, and data extraction, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the included study were performed. Results This systematic review and meta-analysis were prospectively registered on PROSPERO, and the registration number is CRD42022304061. After screening, 10 studies involving 293 patients with COVID-19 were eventually included. Our meta-analysis results showed that UC-MSCs can reduce mortality (relative risk [RR] =0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.38, 0.95], P=0.03) in COVID-19 patients. No significant correlation was observed between adverse events and UC-MSC treatment (RR=0.85, 95% CI: [0.65, 1.10], P=0.22; RR=1.00, 95%CI: [0.64, 1.58], P=1.00). In addition, treatment with UC-MSCs was found to suppress inflammation and improve pulmonary symptoms. Conclusions UC-MSCs hold promise as a safe and effective treatment for COVID-19. Systematic Review Registartion PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022304061.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-wen Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Ru-dong Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qing-run Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shi-jie Han
- Department of Orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ming-jie Kuang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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11
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Chen CY, Chen WC, Hsu CK, Chao CM, Lai CC. The clinical efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stromal cells for patients with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Infect Public Health 2022; 15:896-901. [PMID: 35849852 PMCID: PMC9259515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigated the usefulness of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to treat patients with COVID-19. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched for RCTs published before November 7, 2021. Only RCTs that compared the clinical efficacy and safety of MSCs with other alternative treatments or placebos in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 were included. Results Six RCTs were included, in which the MSC and control groups consisted of 158 and 135 patients, respectively. The patients who received MSCs had a significantly lower 28-day mortality rate (7.6% vs 21.5%; OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.06–0.52; I2 = 0%) and significantly higher clinical improvement rate (OR, 6.05; 95% CI, 2.31–15.83; I2 = 0%) than the controls. The patients who received MSCs were associated with a similar risk of adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs to the control group (AEs: OR, 33; 95% CI, 0.09–1.18; I2 = 59%; serious AEs: OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.02–4.41; I2 = 53%). Conclusions MSC treatment may help to improve the clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19. In addition, MSC treatment appears to be a safe therapeutic option for patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Yi Chen
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Chun Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Pharmacy, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Kuei Hsu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Critical Care Medicine, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ming Chao
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Cheng Lai
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
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12
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Qu W, Wang Z, Engelberg-Cook E, Yan D, Siddik AB, Bu G, Allickson JG, Kubrova E, Caplan AI, Hare JM, Ricordi C, Pepine CJ, Kurtzberg J, Pascual JM, Mallea JM, Rodriguez RL, Nayfeh T, Saadi S, Durvasula RV, Richards EM, March K, Sanfilippo FP. Efficacy and Safety of MSC Cell Therapies for Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Stem Cells Transl Med 2022; 11:688-703. [PMID: 35640138 PMCID: PMC9299515 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
MSC (a.k.a. mesenchymal stem cell or medicinal signaling cell) cell therapies show promise in decreasing mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and suggest benefits in treatment of COVID-19-related ARDS. We performed a meta-analysis of published trials assessing the efficacy and adverse events (AE) rates of MSC cell therapy in individuals hospitalized for COVID-19. Systematic searches were performed in multiple databases through November 3, 2021. Reports in all languages, including randomized clinical trials (RCTs), non-randomized interventional trials, and uncontrolled trials, were included. Random effects model was used to pool outcomes from RCTs and non-randomized interventional trials. Outcome measures included all-cause mortality, serious adverse events (SAEs), AEs, pulmonary function, laboratory, and imaging findings. A total of 736 patients were identified from 34 studies, which included 5 RCTs (n = 235), 7 non-randomized interventional trials (n = 370), and 22 uncontrolled comparative trials (n = 131). Patients aged on average 59.4 years and 32.2% were women. When compared with the control group, MSC cell therapy was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality (RR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.35-0.85, I 2 = 0.0%), reduction in SAEs (IRR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.14-0.90, I 2 = 0.0%) and no significant difference in AE rate. A sub-group with pulmonary function studies suggested improvement in patients receiving MSC. These findings support the potential for MSC cell therapy to decrease all-cause mortality, reduce SAEs, and improve pulmonary function compared with conventional care. Large-scale double-blinded, well-powered RCTs should be conducted to further explore these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchun Qu
- Corresponding co-authors: Wenchun Qu, MD, PhD, Department of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224.
| | - Zhen Wang
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Dan Yan
- Department of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Guojun Bu
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Eva Kubrova
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Arnold I Caplan
- Skeletal Research Center, Biology Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Joshua M Hare
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute and Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Camillo Ricordi
- Department of Surgery, Diabetes Research Institute and Cell Transplant Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Carl J Pepine
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, and Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Joanne Kurtzberg
- Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jorge M Pascual
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Jorge M Mallea
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Tarek Nayfeh
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Samer Saadi
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Elaine M Richards
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Center of Regenerative Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Keith March
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, and Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Fred P Sanfilippo
- Fred P. Sanfilippo, MD, PhD, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, 730GCR, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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13
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Manoharan R, Kore RA, Mehta JL. Mesenchymal stem cell treatment for hyperactive immune response in patients with COVID-19. Immunotherapy 2022; 14:1055-1065. [PMID: 35855633 PMCID: PMC9298490 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2021-0245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The human immune system protects the body against invasive organisms and kicks into a hyperactive mode in COVID-19 patients, particularly in those who are critically sick. Therapeutic regimens directed at the hyperactive immune system have been found to be effective in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. An evolving potential treatment option is therapy with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) due to their regenerative and reparative ability in epithelial cells. Clinical trials have reported the safe usage of MSC therapy. Systemic effects of MSC treatment have included a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and a decrease in the levels of CRP, IL-6, and lactase dehydrogenase, which function as independent biomarkers for COVID-19 mortality and respiratory failure. Treatment of COVID-19 is becoming increasingly difficult because of new variants, such as Delta, and more recently Omicron. Each virus variant becomes smarter at being able to evade the body’s immune system, vaccines and drug treatments. The biggest challenge in treating COVID-19 is when the body’s immune system starts to become hyperactive. In such a scenario, the immune system releases the compounds that are supposed to be released in small doses all at once. Thus, overwhelming the body and causing many complications. One possible solution to this is the mesenchymal stem cell. Multiple clinical trials have shown that mesenchymal stem cells can heal all different cell types in the body and stop the hyperactive immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragul Manoharan
- School of Medicine, St George's University, St George, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Rajshekhar A Kore
- Division of Cardiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences & The Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Little Rock, AR 72205-5484, USA
| | - Jawahar L Mehta
- Division of Cardiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences & The Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Little Rock, AR 72205-5484, USA
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14
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Kirkham AM, Bailey AJM, Monaghan M, Shorr R, Lalu MM, Fergusson DA, Allan DS. Updated Living Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Controlled Trials of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells to Treat COVID-19: A Framework for Accelerated Synthesis of Trial Evidence for Rapid Approval-FASTER Approval. Stem Cells Transl Med 2022; 11:675-687. [PMID: 35758400 PMCID: PMC9299509 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szac038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) may reduce mortality in patients with COVID-19; however, early evidence is based on few studies with marked interstudy heterogeneity. The second iteration of our living systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates a framework needed for synthesizing evidence from high-quality studies to accelerate consideration for approval. Methods A systematic search of the literature was conducted on November 15, 2021, to identify all English-language, full-text, and controlled clinical studies examining MSCs to treat COVID-19 (PROSPERO: CRD42021225431). Findings Eleven studies were identified (403 patients with severe and/or critical COVID-19, including 207 given MSCs and 196 controls). All 11 studies reported mortality and were pooled through random-effects meta-analysis. MSCs decreased relative risk of death at study endpoint (RR: 0.50 [95% CI, 0.34-0.75]) and RR of death at 28 days after treatment (0.19 [95% CI], 0.05-0.78) compared to controls. MSCs also decreased length of hospital stay (mean difference (MD: −3.97 days [95% CI, −6.09 to −1.85], n = 5 studies) and increased oxygenation levels at study endpoint compared to controls (MD: 105.62 mmHg O2 [95% CI, 73.9-137.3,], n = 3 studies). Only 2 of 11 studies reported on all International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) criteria for MSC characterization. Included randomized controlled trials were found to have some concerns (n = 2) to low (n = 4) risk of bias (RoB), while all non-randomized studies were found to have moderate (n = 5) RoB. Interpretation Our updated living systematic review concludes that MSCs can likely reduce mortality in patients with severe or critical COVID-19. A master protocol based on our Faster Approval framework appears necessary to facilitate the more accelerated accumulation of high-quality evidence that would reduce RoB, improve consistency in product characterization, and standardize outcome reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan M Kirkham
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Clinical Epidemiology, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Adrian J M Bailey
- Clinical Epidemiology, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Madeline Monaghan
- Clinical Epidemiology, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Risa Shorr
- Medical Information and Learning Services, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Manoj M Lalu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Regenerative Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Anesthesia, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Dean A Fergusson
- Clinical Epidemiology, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - David S Allan
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Clinical Epidemiology, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Regenerative Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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15
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Wang J, Luo F, Suo Y, Zheng Y, Chen K, You D, Liu Y. Safety, efficacy and biomarkers analysis of mesenchymal stromal cells therapy in ARDS: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on phase I and II RCTs. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:275. [PMID: 35752865 PMCID: PMC9233855 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02956-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) therapy for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an emerging treatment, but most of the current trials of MSCs stay in the animal experimental stage, and the safety and efficacy of MSCs in clinical application are not clear. We aimed to analyze the safety, efficacy and biomarkers of mesenchymal stromal cells in the treatment of ARDS. Methods For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of science, CNKI, VIP and Wan Fang data, studies published between database inception and Mar 17, 2022. All randomized controlled trials (RCT) of stem cell interventions for ARDS were included, without language or date restrictions. We did separate meta-analyses for mortality, subjects with adverse events (AEs) and subjects with serious adverse events (SAEs). Since the trials data are dichotomous outcomes, the odds ratio (OR) is adopted for meta-analysis. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Findings In total, 5 trials involving 171 patients with ARDS were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 99 individuals were randomly assigned to receive MSCs treatment, and 72 were randomly assigned to receive placebo treatment. Treatment with MSCs appeared to increase the occurrence of adverse events, but this result was not statistically significant (OR, 1.58; 95%CI, 0.64–3.91; P = 0.32). The occurrence of serious adverse events was lower in the MSCs group than in the placebo group (OR, 0.57; 95%CI, 0.14–2.32; P = 0.43); there seems to be no significant difference between the two groups in terms of 28 days mortality (OR, 0.93; 95%CI, 0.45–1.89); oxygenation index and biomarkers showed a tendency to improve in treatment, but there was a lack of more statistically significant clinical evidence to support them. Interpretation Based on the current clinical trials, MSCs intervention has some safety for ARDS patients, but its effectiveness and predictive value of airspace biomarkers need to be determined by more large-scale, standard randomized controlled trials. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02956-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbao Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Respiratory Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China
| | - Fenbin Luo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Respiratory Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China
| | - Ye Suo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Respiratory Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yuxin Zheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Respiratory Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China
| | - Kaikai Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Respiratory Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China
| | - Deyuan You
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Respiratory Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yuqi Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Respiratory Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China.
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16
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Zhang M, Yan X, Shi M, Li R, Pi Z, Ren X, Wang Y, Yan S, Wang Y, Jin Y, Wang X. Safety and efficiency of stem cell therapy for COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Glob Health Res Policy 2022; 7:19. [PMID: 35733229 PMCID: PMC9217728 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-022-00251-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, various treatments have become widely practiced. Stem cells have a wide range of applications in the treatment of lung diseases and have therefore been experimentally used to treat patients with COVID-19, but whether the expanded use of stem cells is safe and reliable still lacks enough evidence. To address this issue, we systematically reviewed the safety and efficiency of stem cell therapy in COVID-19 cases. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang, VIP and SinoMed up to January 18, 2022. The included studies were assessed using the Risk-of-bias tool 1.0 and MINORS instrument. The adverse events, mortality, length of hospital day and laboratory parameters were analyzed by meta-analysis. We adhered to PRISMA reporting guideline. Results We have included 17 studies meeting the inclusion data. There were no significant differences in AEs (OR = 0·39, 95% CI = 0·12 to 1·33, P = 0·13, I2 = 58%) and SAEs (OR = 0·21, 95% CI = 0·04 to 1·03, P = 0·05, I2 = 0%) between stem cell therapy group and control group. The analysis showed that stem cell treatment could significantly reduce the mortality rate(OR = 0·24, 95% CI = 0·13 to 0·45, P < 0·01, I2 = 0%), but was not able to cause changes in length of hospital stay or most laboratory parameters. Conclusions The present study shows that stem cell therapy for COVID-19 has a remarkable effect on efficiency without increasing risks of adverse events and length of hospital stay. It is potentially necessary to establish the criteria for COVID-19 for stem cell therapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41256-022-00251-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghe Zhang
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xinchun Yan
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Minghui Shi
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ruihang Li
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ziwei Pi
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xiangying Ren
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yongbo Wang
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Siyu Yan
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yunyun Wang
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yinghui Jin
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xinghuan Wang
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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17
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Association between Mesenchymal Stem Cells and COVID-19 Therapy: Systematic Review and Current Trends. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:9346939. [PMID: 35782071 PMCID: PMC9242780 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9346939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background The novel coronavirus first emerged in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread across the globe, spanning various countries and resulting in a worldwide pandemic by the end of December 2019. Given the current advances in treatments available for COVID-19, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy seems to be a prospective option for management of ARDS observed in COVID-19 patients. This present study is aimed at exploring the therapeutic potential and safety of using MSC obtained by isolation from health cord tissues in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Methods A systematic search was done based on the guidelines of the PRISMA 2020 statement. A literature search was executed using controlled vocabulary and indexing of trials to evaluate all the relevant studies involving the use of medical subject headings (MeSH) in electronic databases like PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and clinicaltrials.gov up to 31 December 2021. The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO register with ID CRD42022301666. Findings. After screening finally, 22 remaining articles were included in this systematic review. The studies revealed that MSC exosomes are found to be superior to MSC alone in terms of safety owing to being smaller with a lesser immunological response which leads to free movement in blood capillaries without clumping and also cannot further divide, thus reducing the oncogenic potential of MSC-derived exosomes as compared to MSC only. The studies demonstrated that the lungs healed with the use of exosomes compared to how they presented initially at the hospital. MSCs are found to increase the angiogenesis process and alveolar reepithelization, reducing markers like TNF alpha, TGF beta, and COL I and III, reducing the growth of myofibroblasts and increasing survivability of endothelium leading to attenuated pulmonary fibrosis and even reversing them. Interpretation. We can conclude that the use of mesenchymal stem cells or their derived exosomes is safe and well-tolerated in patients with COVID-19. It improves different parameters of oxygenation and helps in the healing of the lungs. The viral load along with different inflammatory cells and biomarkers of inflammation tend to decrease. Chest X-ray, CT scan, and different radiological tools are used to show improvement and reduced ongoing destructive processes.
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18
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Abdelgawad M, Bakry NS, Farghali AA, Abdel-Latif A, Lotfy A. Mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy and exosomes in COVID-19: current trends and prospects. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:469. [PMID: 34419143 PMCID: PMC8379570 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02542-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. The virus causes an exaggerated immune response, resulting in a cytokine storm and acute respiratory distress syndrome, the leading cause of COVID-19-related mortality and morbidity. So far, no therapies have succeeded in circumventing the exacerbated immune response or cytokine storm associated with COVID-19. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), through their immunomodulatory and regenerative activities, mostly mediated by their paracrine effect and extracellular vesicle production, have therapeutic potential in many autoimmune, inflammatory, and degenerative diseases. In this paper, we review clinical studies on the use of MSCs for COVID-19 treatment, including the salutary effects of MSCs on the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and the immunomodulation of the cytokine storm. Ongoing clinical trial designs, cell sources, dose and administration, and populations are summarized, and the paracrine mode of benefit is discussed. We also offer suggestions for optimizing MSC-based therapies, including genetic engineering, strategies for cell surface modification, nanotechnology applications, and combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Abdelgawad
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences Department, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences (PSAS), Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, 62511, Egypt
| | - Nourhan Saied Bakry
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences Department, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences (PSAS), Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, 62511, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Farghali
- Materials Science and Nanotechnology Department, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences (PSAS), Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, 62511, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Abdel-Latif
- Gill Heart Institute and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Kentucky and the Lexington VA Medical Center, Lexington, KY, USA. .,College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506-0046, USA.
| | - Ahmed Lotfy
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences Department, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences (PSAS), Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, 62511, Egypt.
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