Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• HUCB-MSCs significantly reduce pain in knee osteoarthritis patients, as evidenced by lower visual analog scale scores. • HUCB-MSCs improve knee function, indicated by improved WOMAC and Lysholm scores. • The therapy shows a higher incidence of adverse reactions compared to control, but with a number needed to treat of 5, indicating acceptable safety. • Meta-analysis of 6 studies (248 patients) supports the efficacy of HUCB-MSCs for knee osteoarthritis, with moderate quality evidence.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis concerning the effects of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells on pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Using the Chinese search terms “human umbilical cord blood, mesenchymal stem cells, knee joint-related diseases” and the English search terms “human cord blood, mesenchymal stem cell, MSC, knee osteoarthritis, knee joint disease, knee joint disorders, knee OA,” we conducted searches in the CNKI, WanFang, VIP, PubMed, Elsevier, and Web of Science databases. The search timeframe spanned from the establishment of each database until June 13, 2024. The quality of the included literature was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the ROBINS-I tool. For meta-analysis, the Revman software was utilized, calculating mean differences for continuous variables and relative risks for dichotomous variables, along with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Three randomized controlled trials and three case-control studies were included, totaling 248 subjects, with moderate quality. Meta-analysis showed: (1) The visual analog scale score in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group, with a significant difference (χ²=44.98, P < 0.001, I²=91%); (2) The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group, with a significant difference (χ²=16.84, P < 0.001, I²=88%); (3) The Lysholm knee function score in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group, with a significant difference (χ²=0.12, P=0.73, I²=0%); (4) The incidence of adverse reactions in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group, with a significant difference (χ²=4.99, P < 0.001, I²=20%), with a combined risk difference of 0.21, translating to a number needed to treat of 5. CONCLUSION: Human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells can reduce pain and improve knee function in patients with knee osteoarthritis, achieving a good balance between safety and efficacy.
1. Introduction
Knee osteoarthritis, as a chronic degenerative inflammatory joint disease, has a high incidence in clinical practice, especially affecting the knee joint [1]. This disease not only causes persistent pain and joint dysfunction but may also lead to joint deformity and limited mobility, severely impacting patients' quality of life [2]. Current clinical treatments for knee osteoarthritis mainly include pharmacological therapy, physical therapy, and surgical intervention [3]. Although these methods can alleviate symptoms to some extent, they have limitations; for instance, pharmacological treatment may cause gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse reactions, while surgical treatment involves significant trauma and prolonged recovery [4].
In recent years, research on mesenchymal stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis has made significant progress [5]. Mesenchymal stem cells possess multilineage differentiation potential and immunomodulatory effects, which can promote cartilage regeneration and alleviate inflammatory responses to a certain extent [6]. However, existing studies predominantly focus on mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow or adipose tissue, and the application and efficacy of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (HUCB-MSCs) in treating knee osteoarthritis lack systematic evaluation [7-8]. HUCB-MSCs, due to their unique advantages such as low immunogenicity, homing ability, multilineage differentiation potential, and high proliferation rate, show broad application prospects in regenerative medicine [9-10]. This study aims to investigate the effects of HUCB-MSCs on pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis through a meta-analysis, to provide high-quality evidence for clinical treatment and further promote the application of HUCB-MSCs in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
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Liu Yanzhe, Liu Hua, Yang Tubao, Liu Yupeng (2026). Effects of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells on pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis. Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research. https://doi.org/10.12307/2026.21363
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effect of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells on pain in knee osteoarthritis patients?
The meta-analysis found that HUCB-MSCs significantly reduce pain, as indicated by lower visual analog scale scores compared to control groups.
How do HUCB-MSCs affect knee function in osteoarthritis patients?
HUCB-MSCs improve knee function, evidenced by improved Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Lysholm knee function scores.
Are there any adverse reactions associated with HUCB-MSC treatment?
The analysis showed a higher incidence of adverse reactions in the treatment group, but the number needed to treat was 5, suggesting a reasonable safety profile.
What is the quality of evidence from this meta-analysis?
The included studies were of moderate quality, with three randomized controlled trials and three case-control studies, totaling 248 participants.
What are the potential mechanisms of HUCB-MSCs in treating knee osteoarthritis?
HUCB-MSCs may promote cartilage repair, inhibit inflammatory responses, and modulate the immune microenvironment, contributing to pain relief and functional improvement.
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