Neural stem cell transplantation in rodent models of traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation holds significant promise as a treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, its therapeutic effects are inconsistent. To address this, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of NSC transplantation in preclinical studies.

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published up to January 2024 that investigated the effects of NSC transplantation in rodent models of TBI. The primary outcome was the modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS), and the secondary outcome was lesion volume. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Collaborative Approach to Meta-Analysis and Review of Animal Data from Experimental Studies (CAMARADES) checklist. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata 17.0.

A total of 18 preclinical studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting 11 outcomes associated with the mNSS and 18 outcomes associated with lesion volume. The quality assessment based on the CAMARADES checklist yielded a median score of 7.00 (interquartile range: 6.25-7.00). The meta-analysis revealed that NSC transplantation significantly reduced the mNSS (SMD = -0.96; 95% CI: -1.40 to -0.51) and lesion volume (SMD = -0.99; 95% CI: -1.46 to -0.52) in rodent models of TBI. Significant heterogeneity was observed in the results for lesion volume. Transplantation dose and timing may be potential sources of this heterogeneity.

Our systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that NSC transplantation can improve neurological function and reduce lesion volume in rodent models of TBI.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024505552, identifier CRD42024505552.