Dental Pulp Stem Cell Therapy in Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Studies

More preclinical research evidence has shown that dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) transplantation is expected to promote the recovery of ischemic stroke (IS), but it still lacks an evidence-based analysis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of DPSCs on neurological function and infarct size in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with middle cerebral artery embolization (MCAO).

According to PRISMA guidelines, the preclinical study of DPSCs in the treatment of IS was screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the relevant data and quality were evaluated by two independent researchers; A meta-analysis of histological and behavioral results was performed.

Seven studies were finally included, with quality evaluation scores ranging from 8 to 9. Four articles reported modified Neurological Severity Scores (mNSS), three studies reported rotarod test, and six studies reported infarct volume. Meta-analysis showed that the mNSS score decreased by 1.17 times, the rotarod test increased by 1.11 times and the volume of cerebral infarction decreased by 1.91 times in the DPSC group compared with the blank control group.

Transplantation of DPSCs can significantly improve the neurological function of ischemic stroke and reduce the infarct volume.