Dental Pulp Stem Cells Facilitate Spinal Cord Injury Repair
ABSTRACT
Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells for Spinal Cord Injury.
Stem Cell Research & Therapy. 2025;16:123. doi: 10.1186/s13287-025-04244-2.
Wang K, Liu X, Jiang X, Chen S, Wang H, Wang Z, Wang Q, Li Z.
Author information
1.Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China.
2.Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China.
3.Dalian Innovation Institute of Stem Cell and Precision Medicine, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China.
BACKGROUND:Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious neurological disorder that can cause loss of movement, sensation, and autonomic function. Current treatments mainly focus on surgery and medications but have limited ability to repair irreversible nerve damage. The aim of this review was to evaluate the potential role of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in the treatment of spinal cord injury.
METHODS:The authors reviewed recent studies investigating DPSCs and related dental stem cells in experimental models of spinal cord injury. The review focused on the mechanisms by which DPSCs may promote recovery, including anti-inflammatory effects, axonal regeneration, reduction of apoptosis (cell death), and cellular differentiation.
RESULTS:Studies showed that DPSCs may reduce inflammation by regulating immune responses and promoting anti-inflammatory macrophages. DPSCs also promoted axonal regeneration, reduced neuronal apoptosis, increased neurotrophic factor production, and differentiated into cells that support nerve and vascular repair. Several preclinical studies reported improved neurological and motor function recovery following DPSC transplantation.
CONCLUSIONS: This review showed that DPSCs have significant potential as a regenerative therapy for spinal cord injury. Their ability to reduce inflammation, protect nerve cells, promote axonal growth, and support tissue regeneration may make them a promising treatment option for future SCI therapies.
PMCID: PMC12067593
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-025-04244-2