SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF INDUCED PLURIPOTENT STEM CELL THERAPY IN TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global health problem with limited treatment options. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as a promising therapy for neural regeneration and repair after TBI. Aims & Objectives This systematic review aimed to evaluate preclinical studies on the efficacy of iPSC- based therapies for functional recovery after TBI. Method From, PubMed, Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, and Web of Science 102 studies were found for studies on iPSCs in TBI animal models. Included studies (n=9) used neural stem cells derived from iPSCs transplanted into rodent models of TBI. Outcome measures were brain injury volume, functional recovery, and tissue repair biomarkers. Study quality was assessed using a 10-point scale. Results The majority of studies showed significant improvement in motor function, cognition, and social behavior with iPSC therapy. Transplanted iPSC-neural stem cells migrated to injury sites, differentiated into neurons and glia, reduced lesion size, and increased neural repair markers. Higher quality scores were noted for studies reporting randomization, blinded assessment, and temperature control. Discussion & Conclusions Preclinical evidence demonstrates the potential of iPSC-derived neural stem cell transplantation to improve functional outcomes after TBI through neuroregenerative effects. Further research is warranted to evaluate safety, optimize protocols, and translate findings to clinical trials for TBI patients. iPSC-based therapies may offer new hope for recovery after this devastating injury.