Evaluating the clinical translational relevance of animal models for limbal stem cell deficiency: A systematic review
Abstract
PURPOSE
Animal models are pivotal for elucidating pathophysiological mechanisms and evaluating novel therapies. This systematic review identified studies that developed or adapted animal models of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) and assessed their reporting quality, summarized their key characteristics, and established their clinical translational relevance to human disease.
METHODS
The protocol was prospectively registered (PROSPERO CRD42020203937). Searches were conducted in PubMed, Ovid EMBASE and Web of Science. Two authors screened citations, extracted data, assessed the reporting quality of eligible studies using the ARRIVE guidelines, and judged the clinical translational relevance of each model using a custom matrix.
RESULTS
105 studies were included. Rabbits were the most common animal species. Overall, 97% of studies recapitulated LSCD to a clinical etiology, however 62% did not provide sufficient methodological detail to enable independent reproduction of the model. Adverse events and/or exclusion of animals were infrequently (20%) reported. Approximately one-quarter of studies did not produce the intended severity of LSCD; 34% provided insufficient information to assess the fidelity of disease induction. Adjunctive diagnostic confirmation of LSCD induction was performed in 13% of studies.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first systematic review to assess the reporting quality and clinical translational relevance of animal models of LSCD. Models of LSCD have evolved…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in animal, not in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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