Title:The Beneficial Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Acute Kidney Injury:
A Narrative Review
Volume: 19
Issue: 2
Author(s): Yuxiang Liu, Jibin Han, Jingai Fang and Rongshan Li*
Affiliation:
- Department of Nephrology, Fifth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital), Taiyuan,
030012, Shanxi, China
Keywords:
Acute kidney injury (AKI), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), optimization of treatment, anti-apoptosis, genetic manipulation, renal tissue.
Abstract:
Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a multifaced disease characterized by a rapid decline
in renal function. However, with growing insight into the pathophysiologic mechanisms of AKI,
currently available interventions for AKI are merely supportive. Thus, novel therapies are urgently needed
to improve the outcomes of patients with AKI. This narrative review aims to explore enhancing the
beneficial effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells(MSCs) in AKI.
Methods: The authors examined all studies regarding the role of MSCs in AKI. And the authors undertook
a structured search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research literature using a focused
review question. The most relevant and up-to-date research was included.
Results and Discussion: Based on encouraging preclinical results, stem cell therapy has been widely
explored over the last decade. Among the various stem cell types investigated, mesenchymal stem cells
are being intensely investigated by virtue of their numerous strengths, such as easy derivation, undemanding
cell culture conditions, anti-apoptosis, immunomodulation, and anti-inflammation effects. Mounting
evidence suggests that MSCs hold great potential in accelerating kidney repair following AKI in various
preclinical models. Unfortunately, low engrafting efficiency and poor survival rate of injected MSCs in
the injured renal tissue are major obstacles MSCs clinical application faces.
Conclusion: Various strategies, including genetic manipulation, mimicking the cellular microenvironment
with different culture conditions, optimizing MSCs preparation and administration schedule, and
screening patients who may more like benefit from MSCs therapy, have been developed to enhance the
therapeutic potential of MSCs in AKI.