A Systematic Review of Stem Cells in Iraqi Studies

Maeda H.  Mohammad; Zaynab S.  Abdulganii; Aous Kahtan  Almzaien; Ahmed Majeed  Al-Shammari; Ayser A.  Ahmed; Hiba K.  Shaker; Aseel K.  Abedalsattar; Ahlam D.  Armash

doi:10.18502/ijhoscr.v20i1.21014

Maeda H. Mohammad Iraqi Center of Cancer and Medical Genetics Research, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
Zaynab S. Abdulganii Iraqi Center of Cancer and Medical Genetics Research, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
Aous Kahtan Almzaien Iraqi Center of Cancer and Medical Genetics Research, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
Ahmed Majeed Al-Shammari Iraqi Center of Cancer and Medical Genetics Research, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
Ayser A. Ahmed Iraqi Center of Cancer and Medical Genetics Research, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
Hiba K. Shaker Iraqi Center of Cancer and Medical Genetics Research, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
Aseel K. Abedalsattar Iraqi Center of Cancer and Medical Genetics Research, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
Ahlam D. Armash Iraqi Center of Cancer and Medical Genetics Research, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijhoscr.v20i1.21014

Keywords: Cancer stem cells; Clinical trial; Iraqi studies; Stem cells; Systematic review

Abstract

Over the past three decades, stem cell therapy has undergone rapid development and has emerged as a novel treatment for many major disorders. This systematic review aims to analyze the current landscape of stem cell research publications in Iraq comprehensively. By identifying and critically evaluating existing progress, this review provides a robust overview of the field, informing the development of a well-designed national roadmap for future advancements. This analysis serves as a valuable scientific reference both within Iraq and internationally, fostering further progress in Iraqi stem cell research. Data on Iraqi stem cell publications were collected from scientific databases such as the Iraqi Academic Scientific Journals Database, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct and other search engines. These publications were classified and analyzed to evaluate their status in the field. In our systematic review, we analyzed 132 articles on Iraqi stem cell research, including 21 review articles, 9 cancer stem cell studies, and 102 methodological studies, spanning from 1977-2024. Our findings highlight a rapid increase in publications, particularly in recent years, demonstrating significant progress in stem cell research within Iraq. Key areas of focus include the therapeutic applications of stem cells, cancer stem cells, and methodological advancements, with the majority of studies utilizing human, mouse, and rat samples. This comprehensive analysis underscores the evolving landscape and the need for continued collaboration and strategic planning in Iraqi stem cell research. Our systematic review revealed a significant increase in Iraqi stem cell research publications over recent years. This growth reflects substantial progress and the critical need for continued collaboration and strategic planning to further advance the field.