The stem cells applications in sport injuries

A variety of injuries may occur in the human body during exercise or sport, including skin scratches, soft tissue sprains, dislocations, and fractures. These injuries, which are commonly referred to as “sport-induced,” have the potential to result in further deterioration, including meniscal (cartilage) injury, ligament strain, muscle and tendon strain, or osteoarthritis. Such injuries can have significant implications for the health of athletes, with the potential to result in the economic or mental burdens for the athletes and their families. Stem cells exhibit a number of advantageous characteristics, including pluripotency, superior tissue regeneration capacity, and an excellent immunomodulatory effect. They are capable of repairing cell or tissue damage at the lesion site and exhibit excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which makes them a promising area of application in sport medicine. This review article presents a summary of the recent progress made in the application of stem cells in the treatment of sport injuries, along with an analysis of the underlying mechanisms involved; additionally, it addresses the current limitations of stem cell applications in the context of sport injuries, with the aim of providing insights that can inform future research and clinical practice in this field.