Published – November 2022

The role of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) have recently been studied for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The goal is pain reduction and improvement of joint function leading to superior health-related quality of life.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive meta-analysis assessing the evidence on the use of ADMSCs in knee osteoarthritis.

Design: This is a Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Data Sources and Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Databases were searched for randomized controlled trials using ADMSCs to treat patients with knee osteoarthritis. Only trials comparing ADMSCs to placebo or conservative treatment were included. The outcomes studied were improvement in functional, pain, and quality of life scores along with radiographic findings.

Results: A total of four trials were included, representing 138 patients with knee osteoarthritis. WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) scores favored ADMSCs with a statistically and clinically significant difference over controls at 6- and 12-month follow-ups (p value<0.0001). Pain, functional, and quality of life scores also favored ADMSCs at 12-month follow-up (p value<0.0001).

Conclusion: ADMSCs are effective in treating knee osteoarthritis symptoms as observed by functional and pain improvements. Furthermore, ADMSCs injection showed improvement of cartilage integrity, which indicates the potential for regenerating the knee cartilage. Future trials with larger number of patients and longer follow-up periods would help to elaborate further the therapeutic potential of ADMSCs.

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