Maxillary sinus augmentation with adult mesenchymal stem cells: a review of the current literature

Purpose. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been applied in maxillary sinus augmentation (MSA) with clinically successful results. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the systematically acquired evidence for the effectiveness of cell-based approaches in MSA with various scaffolds, and to narratively assess evidence from additional articles that report effectiveness of cell-based approaches in MSA. Materials and Methods. Electronic database searches were performed. Inclusion criteria were studies of cell-based approaches in MSA with various scaffolds, in humans, with at least 3 to 4 months of follow-up. Meta-analysis was performed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with histologic/histomorphometric evaluation. Results. Fifteen studies (4 RCTs) were considered to be eligible for inclusion in the review. The meta-analysis suggested a marginal, nonstatistically significant positive effect of MSCs on the bone regrowth. Conclusions. A number of studies have demonstrated the potential for cell-based approaches in MSA; further RCTs that clearly demonstrate benefits of cell-based approach are needed.