Efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in rodent models of radiation-induced xerostomia and oral mucositis: a systematic review

Abstract

Abstract Background Radiation-induced xerostomia and oral mucositis are serious complications of radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. Current treatment options have limited efficacy. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has shown promising results in supporting the restoration of glandular secretion function and the regeneration of damaged tissues. This study aim to (1) assess the quality of evidence for MSCs treatment in rodent models of radiation-induced oral complications and (2) determine whether MSCs can improve the therapeutic effect of radiation-induced oral mucositis. Methods Intervention studies using MSCs in rodent models were comprehensively retrieved in the Pubmed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases on June 1, 2022. The quality of all in vivo experiments was assessed using SYRCLE, and this article is written following the PRISMA guidelines. Results A total of 12 studies were included in this systematic review. The study found that in animal models of radiation-induced xerostomia, MSCs could increase salivary protein secretion, improve SFR, shorten the salivary lag time, anti-apoptosis, etc. In animal models of radiation-induced oral mucositis, MSCs improve the micromorphology and macromorphology of RIOM. Moreover, the effect of MSCs on the modification of ulcer duration and latency may be related to the time of MSCs transplantation but further studies are needed. Conclusion The results of our systematic review suggest that MSCs appeared to be effective in the treatment of radiation-induced xerostomia and oral mucositis. Graphical Abstract