Тhe use of mesenchymalstem cells in the restoration of soft tissue structures after injuries: muscles, tendons, ligaments

Abstract

Traumatic injuries of soft tissue structures, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments, represent a serious medical and social problem, as they are among the most common in both sports practice and everyday life. Their incidence is increasing due to the growing involvement of the population in physical activity, professional sports, and the high level of injuries resulting from accidents and occupational hazards. Restoration of the functional capacity of these structures is often prolonged and incomplete, which reduces patients’ quality of life and limits their working capacity. Modern therapeutic approaches are frequently insufficiently effective, which stimulates the search for new treatment strategies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have proven to be a promising tool in the regeneration of various tissues and organs, and their application in soft tissue repair has attracted significant interest. Objective. To summarize current data on the use of mesenchymal stem cells in the regeneration of muscles, tendons, and ligaments after trauma. Materials and methods. The article is based on data obtained through a systematic search in scientometric databases including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Publications from the last 10 years concerning the application of mesenchymal stem cells in regenerative medicine were analyzed. Methods of qualitative synthesis of clinical and experimental research findings were applied. Results. Literature analysis has shown that mesenchymal stem cells possess a strong potential to stimulate the regeneration of soft tissue structures. They contribute to the reduction of inflammatory responses, promote neoangiogenesis, and enhance reparative processes in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Most studies report a positive effect of MSCs on functional recovery after trauma, manifested by shortened rehabilitation periods and improved tissue strength. Experimental models have demonstrated the ability of MSCs to integrate into damaged tissues and facilitate their reconstruction. In clinical practice, MSC application was associated with improved clinical and morphological treatment outcomes. An important aspect is the versatility of MSC sources, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord blood. Several studies confirm the long term positive effects of MSCs in soft tissue repair. At the same time, unresolved issues remain regarding optimal dosages, administration routes, and control of cell proliferation. A promising direction is the combined use of MSCs with biomaterials and growth factors. Overall, the review highlights significant progress in this field and confirms its high clinical relevance. Conclusions. Over the past decade, substantial progress has been achieved in understanding the role of mesenchymal stem cells in the regeneration of soft tissue structures after trauma. The available data indicate the promising potential of their application and open up new opportunities for the development of innovative regenerative technologies in medicine.