Affiliation:
1. Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University,
20 Xisi Road, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, China
2. Research Institute of Stem Cells, Center of Clinical Trials, Affiliated
Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, China
Abstract
Abstract:
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified as potential therapeutics for various
diseases. In contrast to other sources of MSCs, dental stem cells (DSCs) have received increased
attention due to their high activity and easy accessibility. Among them, dental pulp stem
cells (DPSCs) exhibit superior self-renewal, multipotency, immunomodulatory, and regenerative
capacities. Following their inspiring performance in animal models and clinical trials, DPSCs
show pharmacological potential in regenerative medicine. In this review, we have generalized the
sources, heterogeneity, and biological characteristics of DPSCs, as well as compared them with
other types of dental stem cells. In addition, we summarized the application of DPSCs in digestive
diseases (such as liver, esophageal, and intestinal diseases), highlighting their regenerative and
pharmacological potential based on the existing preclinical and clinical evidence. Specifically, DPSCs
can be> home to injured or inflamed tissues and exert repair and regeneration functions by>
facilitating immune regulation, anti-inflammation, and directional differentiation. Although DPSCs
have a rosy prospect, future studies should handle the underlying drawbacks and pave the
way for the identification of DPSCs as novel regenerative medicine.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
General Medicine,Medicine (miscellaneous)