Stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles for myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis of controlled animal studies

AIMS: Stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising therapy for myocardial infarction, but its effects remain incompletely understood. We aim to systematically review the efficacy of EVs on myocardial infarction in both small and large animals. METHODS: On April 5, 2018, we searched the PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases using variations of “myocardial infarction” and “extracellular vesicle”. Controlled studies about the treatment effects of stem cell-derived EVs in myocardial infarction animal model were included. Meta-regression analysis was used to reveal the factors affecting the EVs treatments. RESULTS: Of 1210 studies retrieved, 24 were eligible for meta-analysis. EVs injection was associated with the improvements of left ventricular ejection fraction (12.65%), fractional shortening (7.54%) and the reduction of infarct size/area at risk (-15.55%). Meta-regression analysis did not reveal the association between treatment efficacy and type of stem cell, ligation-to-injection interval, route of delivery, dosage of delivery or follow-up period (all P values > 0.05). The median quality score of eligible studies was only 1, indicating potential risks of bias. CONCLUSION: Stem cell-derived EVs improve cardiac function and reduce infarct size in myocardial infarction animals, but current pool-up study reveals no associations between common factors and treatment effects.