Bone marrow-derived cells: a potential approach for the treatment of xerostomia

SD Tran, Y Sumita, S Khalili - The international journal of biochemistry & …, 2011 - Elsevier
SD Tran, Y Sumita, S Khalili
The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology, 2011Elsevier
Transplantations of bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) are traditionally used for
hematologic diseases, but there are increasing numbers of clinical trials using BMDC
treatments for non-hematologic disorders, including autoimmune diseases. BMDCs are
recently reported to improve organ functions. This paper will review available reports
supporting the role of BMDCs in reducing xerostomia (ie re-establishing salivary gland
functions) due to head and neck irradiation for cancer therapies and in Sjögren's syndrome …
Transplantations of bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) are traditionally used for hematologic diseases, but there are increasing numbers of clinical trials using BMDC treatments for non-hematologic disorders, including autoimmune diseases. BMDCs are recently reported to improve organ functions. This paper will review available reports supporting the role of BMDCs in reducing xerostomia (i.e. re-establishing salivary gland functions) due to head and neck irradiation for cancer therapies and in Sjögren's syndrome. There are reports that BMDCs provide a beneficial effect on the saliva production. BMDCs positively affect blood vessels stability and regeneration in irradiated salivary glands. Also, BMDCs provide an immunomodulatory activity in mice with Sjögren's-like disease. While the exact mechanisms by which BMDCs improve organ functions remain controversial, there is preliminary evidence that a combination of them (such as cell transdifferentiation, vasculogenesis, and paracrine effect) occur in salivary glands.
Elsevier