The potential therapeutic roles of dental pulp stem cells in spinal cord injury

Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, 2024 · DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1363838 · Published: April 29, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury leads to serious functional disorders, impacting patients and society. Traditional treatments are not very effective, as the injured spinal cord is difficult to repair. Dental pulp stem cells have neuro-regenerative potential, offering hope for spinal cord injury biotherapy.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
DPSCs can differentiate into neuron-like cells, potentially replacing damaged neurons in SCI.
2
DPSCs secrete bioactive molecules with neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects, aiding SCI repair.
3
DPSC-derived exosomes reduce inflammation and promote axon regeneration in SCI models.

Research Summary

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) represent a promising cell source for cell-based treatment of SCI. DPSCs offer neuroprotective benefits for SCI treatment, including suppressing inflammation and promoting axonal regeneration. DPSCs' mechanisms, including neuronal differentiation and paracrine effects, show potential in reconstructing the injured spinal cord.

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation Potential

DPSCs show promise as a cell-based therapy for SCI, warranting further research and clinical trials.

Targeted Therapeutic Strategies

Understanding DPSCs' mechanisms can inform targeted therapies to promote spinal cord regeneration and functional recovery.

Biomaterial-Enhanced Delivery

Combining DPSCs with biomaterials can enhance their neurogenic differentiation and therapeutic efficacy in SCI treatment.

Study Limitations

1
Achieving large-scale DPSCs manufacture, storage, and transportation with minimum contamination
2
Concerns remain raised about the biological safety of DPSCs therapy such as immunotoxicity, immunogenicity, and tumorigenicity.
3
The quality of DPSCs is critical to clinical usage, such as the standard source of dental pulp and culture conditions.

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