Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2025
Synergetic Use of Neural Precursor Cells and Self-assembling Peptides in Experimental Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: February 23, 2015
Growth Factor Gene-Modified Cells in Spinal Cord Injury Recovery: A Systematic Review
Mahmoud Yousefifard1, Arash Sarveazad2, Asrin Babahajian3
1Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Numerous preclinical studies have been performed in recent years on the effects of the administration of growth factor gene-modified cells in spinal cord injury (SCI). However, findings of these studies are contradictory.
Objective:
The present study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies evaluating the effects of administration of growth factor gene-modified cells on locomotion recovery after SCI.
Methods:
A search of the MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted, including all animal studies until the end of 2020. Two researchers screened search results, summarized relevant studies and assessed risk of bias, independently.
Results:
Thirty-three studies were included in the final analysis. Transplantation of growth factor gene-modified cells in the injured spinal cord resulted in a significant improvement in locomotion of animals compared with nontreated animals (standardized mean difference = 1.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-2.33; P < 0.0001)] and non-genetically modified cell-treated animals (standardized mean difference = 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-1.79; P < 0.0001). Transplantation efficacy of these cells failed to achieve significance in moderate lesions (P = 0.091), when using modified neural stem/progenitor cells (P = 0.164), when using synthetic neurotrophins (P = 0.086) and when the number of transplanted cells was less than 1.0 × 105 cells per animal (P = 0.119).
Conclusions:
The results showed that transplantation of growth factor gene- modified cells significantly improved locomotion in SCI animal models. However, there is a major concern regarding the safety of transplantation of genetically modified cells, in terms of overexpressing growth factors. Further studies are needed before any effort to perform a translational and clinical study.
Insights
Growth factor gene-modified cells significantly improved locomotion in animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, safety concerns regarding overexpression require further investigation before human trials.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Preclinical studies on growth factor gene-modified cells for spinal cord injury (SCI) have yielded contradictory findings.
- The therapeutic potential of these modified cells remains uncertain due to inconsistent results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze animal studies on the efficacy of growth factor gene-modified cells for locomotion recovery after SCI.
- To consolidate evidence and identify factors influencing treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science) up to December 2020.
- Thirty-three relevant animal studies were included, with independent screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment by two researchers.
Main Results:
- Transplantation of growth factor gene-modified cells significantly improved locomotion in SCI animal models compared to both untreated and non-genetically modified cell-treated groups.
- Efficacy was not significant for moderate lesions, modified neural stem/progenitor cells, synthetic neurotrophins, or when transplanting fewer than 1.0 × 10^5 cells.
Conclusions:
- Growth factor gene-modified cell transplantation demonstrates significant potential for improving locomotion in SCI animal models.
- Safety concerns, particularly regarding growth factor overexpression, necessitate further research before clinical translation.
- Additional studies are crucial to address safety and optimize treatment parameters for future human trials.
More Related Videos
07:37Author Spotlight: Long-Term Spinal Cord Slice Culture for Advancing Spinal Cord Regeneration Therapies
Published on: April 12, 2024
09:56Promotion of Survival and Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells with Fibrin and Growth Factor Cocktails after Severe Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: July 27, 2014
