Dental Pulp Stem Cells Demonstrate Therapeutic Potential in Parkinson's Disease
ABSTRACT
Neural Basis of Dental Pulp Stem Cells and its Potential Applications in Parkinson's Disease.
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets. 2022;21(1):49-65. doi: 10.2174/1871527320666210311122921.
Sharma Y, Shobha K, Sundeep M, Pinnelli VB, Parveen S, Dhanushkodi A.
Author information
Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, affiliated academic and research institutions in India.
Departments of Neuroscience, Biotechnology, and Regenerative Medicine, affiliated academic institutions.
BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons. Current treatments help manage symptoms but do not replace lost neurons or stop disease progression. Dental pulp stem cells have attracted attention because they originate from the neural crest and possess inherent neuroregenerative properties.
METHODS: The authors reviewed the biological characteristics of dental pulp stem cells and examined their potential applications in Parkinson's disease. The review focused on neural differentiation, neuroprotection, and regenerative mechanisms relevant to dopaminergic neuron loss.
RESULTS: The review highlighted that dental pulp stem cells possess a natural predisposition toward neural differentiation due to their neural crest origin. Studies demonstrated their ability to secrete neurotrophic factors, support neuronal survival, modulate inflammation, and potentially differentiate into neuron-like cells. These properties suggest DPSCs may contribute to neural repair and functional recovery in Parkinson's disease models.
CONCLUSIONS: This review showed that dental pulp stem cells possess characteristics that make them promising candidates for Parkinson's disease research and regenerative therapies. Future studies may help translate these findings into treatments aimed at slowing disease progression and restoring neurological function.
PMID: 33719979
DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210311122921