Dental Pulp Stem Cells Promote Neural Tissue Regeneration
ABSTRACT
Dental pulp stem cells regenerate neural tissue in degenerative disorders and stroke rehabilitation: A scope systematic review.
Neural Regeneration Research. 2025 Jan;20(1):39-48. doi: 10.4103/NRR.NRR-D-23-03607.
Rahnama Sisakht A, Tavasouli Z, Negahi A, Hosseini SA, Satarzadeh M.
Author information
Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
Ghaemieh Health Care Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
School of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran.
BACKGROUND: Neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, are characterized by progressive neuronal loss and limited regenerative capacity. Current treatments primarily manage symptoms and do not restore damaged neural tissue. Dental pulp stem cells have emerged as promising candidates for regenerative therapies because of their neural crest origin and neurogenic potential.
METHODS: The authors reviewed current research investigating the use of dental pulp stem cells in neurodegenerative disorders. The review examined mechanisms of neural regeneration, neuroprotection, immunomodulation, stem cell differentiation, and translational challenges associated with clinical applications.
RESULTS: Studies demonstrated that dental pulp stem cells can promote neuronal survival, reduce inflammation, secrete neurotrophic factors, and support neural tissue regeneration. DPSCs showed the ability to differentiate into neuron-like cells and improve functional outcomes in preclinical models of neurodegenerative disease. The review also highlighted challenges including cell survival, delivery methods, standardization, and long-term safety.
CONCLUSIONS: This review showed that dental pulp stem cells possess significant potential for neural tissue regeneration in neurodegenerative disorders. Continued research may help overcome current translational challenges and advance the development of DPSC-based therapies for neurological diseases.
PMID: 39166055
PMCID: PMC8036729
DOI: 10.4103/NRR.NRR-D-23-03607