title: Stem cells and their role in renal ischaemia reperfusion injury.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) remains one of the leading causes of acute kidney injury (AKI). IRI is an underlying multifactorial pathophysiological process which affects the outcome in both native and transplanted patients. The high morbidity and mortality associated with IRI/AKI and disappointing results from current available clinical therapeutic approaches prompt further research. Stem cells (SC) are undifferentiated cells that can undergo both renewal and differentiation into one or more cell types which can possibly ameliorate IRI.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To carry out a detailed literature analysis and construct a comprehensive literature review addressing the role of SC in AKI secondary to IRI.
  
  
  METHODS
  Evidence favouring the role of SC in renal IRI and evidence showing no benefits of SC in renal IRI are the two main aspects to be studied. The search strategy was based on an extensive search addressing MESH terms and free text terms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of studies in the field of renal IRI and stem cell therapy show substantial benefits.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Studies were mostly conducted in small animal models, thus underscoring the need for further pre-clinical studies in larger animal models, and results should be taken with caution. SC therapy may be promising though controversy exists in the exact mechanism. Thorough scientific exploration is required to assess mechanism, safety profile, reproducibility and methods to monitor administered SC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Transplantation, MRC Centre for Transplantation, Guys and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. atulbagul@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Atul
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bagul
authors.forename: Jodie H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Frost
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Drage
mesh_terms: D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000628:therapy*; D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000628:therapy*; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects