“Systematic reviews of laboratory research are powerful tools to help determine knowledge gaps in burgeoning scientific fields, as well as identify new therapies that exhibit the most promise for clinical translation.” -Alvin TieuA meta-analysis of lab studies found that tiny particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have clear potential for treating acute lung injury, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Known as MSC-EVs, these particles have similar therapeutic effects to MSCs but are easier to manufacture and store. However, MSC-EV research is still in its infancy, with many unanswered questions.
To learn more, Alvin Tieu, co-supervised by Drs. Duncan Stewart and Manoj Lalu, looked at all published evidence from laboratory studies that used MSC-EVs to treat acute and chronic lung disease, including data from 52 studies. Their study published in the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles found that delivery of MSC-EVs significantly improved outcomes in animal models of acute lung injury, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
However, many studies neglected to include pertinent details such as dosing, EV subtypes and where the EVs travelled in the body, critical information that is needed as researchers around the world begin to translate MSC-EV therapy to human clinical trials.
“Systematic reviews of laboratory research are powerful tools to help determine knowledge gaps in burgeoning scientific fields, as well as identify new therapies that exhibit the most promise for clinical translation.” -Alvin Tieu, MD/PhD student at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa
Funding: Alvin Tieu is supported by the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, and as a Canadian Vascular Network Scholar. This study received no dedicated funding, but all research at The Ottawa Hospital is enabled by generous donations to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.
Authors: Alvin Tieu, Kevin Hu, Catherine Gnyra, Joshua Montroy, Dean A. Fergusson, David S. Allan, Duncan J. Stewart, Bernard Thébaud, Manoj M. Lalu
Core Resources: Ottawa Methods Centre, BLUEPRINT Translational Research Group
The Ottawa Hospital is a leading academic health, research and learning hospital proudly affiliated with the University of Ottawa.
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