Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42247338›Full record

SynthesisKidney & blood pressure research2026

From Preservation to Regeneration: Stem Cell-Derived Therapies in Machine-Perfused Kidney Transplants - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Margaux Navez, Elisa Dos Santos Barata, Nathalie Maes, Elena Levtchenko, Fanny Oliveira Arcolino, Perrine Burdeyron, Clara Steichen, Olivier Detry, Nicholas Gilbo, François Jouret

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Kidney & blood pressure research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Margaux NavezLaboratory of Translational Research in Nephrology, GIGA Institute, ULiege, Liege, Belgium, margaux.navez@uliege.be.
Elisa Dos Santos BarataExperimental Surgical Research Center, GIGA Institute, ULiege, Liege, Belgium.
Nathalie MaesBiostatistics and Research Methods Center (B-STAT), CHU of Liege, Liege, Belgium.
Elena LevtchenkoDepartment of Pediatric Nephrology, Emma Children's Hospital - Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Fanny Oliveira ArcolinoDepartment of Pediatric Nephrology, Emma Children's Hospital - Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Perrine BurdeyronService de Biochimie, INSERM IRMETIST U1313, CHU de Poitiers, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.
Clara SteichenService de Biochimie, INSERM IRMETIST U1313, CHU de Poitiers, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.
Olivier DetryExperimental Surgical Research Center, GIGA Institute, ULiege, Liege, Belgium.
Nicholas GilboExperimental Surgical Research Center, GIGA Institute, ULiege, Liege, Belgium.
François JouretLaboratory of Translational Research in Nephrology, GIGA Institute, ULiege, Liege, Belgium.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionIschemia-reperfusion injury remains a critical determinant of graft outcomes in kidney transplantation, contributing to delayed graft function and reduced long-term survival. Machine perfusion has emerged as a dynamic preservation strategy offering a therapeutic window to condition organs prior to implantation. The integration of stem cells and extracellular vesicles (EVs), known for their immunomodulatory and cytoprotective properties, into perfusion protocols represents a novel and potentially synergistic approach. However, the evidence base remains limited and heterogeneous.

methodsThis systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the therapeutic potential of stem cell-based interventions during machine perfusion, following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched for experimental studies using stem cells or EVs during hypothermic or normothermic machine perfusion in animal or discarded human kidneys. Outcomes included renal function, injury biomarkers, inflammation, and histology.

resultsNine studies were included, seven in meta-analysis. Several reported reductions in inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β) and biomarkers (NGAL) following stem cell or EV administration. However, meta-analysis showed no significant effects on creatinine clearance (SMD: 0.00; 95% CI: -0.54 to 0.55), urine output (SMD: 0.54; 95% CI: -0.46 to 1.55), or NGAL (SMD: -1.68; 95% CI: -5.60 to 2.25). Stem cell retention was limited, mechanisms of action remain incompletely understood, and only one study assessed post-transplant function.

conclusionDespite potential immunomodulatory and cytoprotective effects, consistent functional benefits were not demonstrated. Standardized studies incorporating transplant models and long-term outcomes are needed to clarify therapeutic potential and optimize delivery strategies.

Indexed as

Kidney TransplantationOrgan PreservationRegenerationStem CellsStem Cell TransplantationAnimalsHumansKidneyPerfusionReperfusion InjuryKidneyMachine perfusionPreservationStem cellTransplantation

Identifiers

PMID42247338
PMCPMC13427320

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.