Autogenic mesenchymal stem cells for intervertebral disc regeneration.

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a major cause of low back pain.
• Current treatments for IVDD are limited, with a need for regenerative approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the outcomes of autologous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) injections for intervertebral disc (IVD) regeneration.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of MSC therapy in human patients with IVD degeneration.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar.
• Inclusion of studies reporting percutaneous autologous MSC injection for IVD regeneration in humans.
• Methodological quality assessed using the Coleman Methodology Score; statistical analysis with Review Manager Software 5.3.

Main Results:

• Seven studies with 98 patients and 122 treated levels were included.
• Significant improvements in quality of life, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores at one-year follow-up.
• Low complication rate, with only one case of herniated nucleus pulposus reported; no other adverse events observed.

Conclusions:

• Autologous MSC injection is a safe and feasible option for intervertebral disc regeneration in early-stage degeneration.
• Clinical and radiological improvements are observed irrespective of MSC source.
• MSC therapy demonstrates a very low complication rate during follow-up.