Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (19): 5066-5071.doi: 10.12307/2026.115

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Effects of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells on pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis

Liu Yanzhe1, Liu Hua1, Yang Tubao2, 3, Liu Yupeng1   

  1. 1Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China; 2Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China; 3Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology of Hunan Province, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
  • Received:2025-04-03 Accepted:2025-06-24 Online:2026-07-08 Published:2026-02-24
  • Contact: Liu Yupeng, MD, Associate professor, Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
  • About author:Liu Yanzhe, MS, Teaching assistant, Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
  • Supported by:
    Hunan Natural Science Foundation (General Project), No. 2021JJ31085 (to LYP); Ministry of Education Industry-University Cooperation Collaborative Education Project (2023 Batch), No. 230824582607228 (to LYZ)

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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 involving a total of 248 subjects were included, with the quality of the literature evaluated as moderate. The results of the meta-analysis showed that (1) visual analog scale score was significantly lower in the trial group than in the control group, with significant differences (χ2=44.98, P < 0.001, I²=91%). (2) The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score was significantly lower in the trial group than in the control group, with significant differences (χ2=16.84, P < 0.001, I²=88%). (3) The Lysholm scoring system score was significantly higher in the trial group than in the control group, with significant differences (χ2=0.12, P=0.73, I²=0%). (4) The incidence of adverse reactions was significantly higher in the trial group than in the control group, with significant differences (χ2=4.99, P < 0.001, I²=20%), with a pooled risk difference of 0.21, corresponding to a number needed to treat of 5. 
CONCLUSION: Human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells can relieve pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis, improve knee function, and achieve a good balance between safety and effectiveness. 


Key words: human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cell, osteoarthritis, cartilage injury, meta-analysis, visual analog scale score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, knee function score, adverse reactions

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