The Role of Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine, Their Applications in Dentistry and Orthodontics

Introduction: Stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), possess unique self-renewal and multipotent differentiation capabilities, making them critical to regenerative medicine.MSCs are primarily derived from bone marrow but are also found in adipose tissue, umbilical cord blood, placenta, and exfoliated deciduous teeth.These cells play a vital role in tissue homeostasis and repair, although their abundance diminishes with age and health status.Characterized by their heterogeneity, MSCs secrete bioactive molecules such as IL-6, GM-CSF, and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), contributing to hematopoiesis and immune modulation.Advances in tissue engineering highlight their potential in various medical and dental applications. General Information:In medicine, MSCs have demonstrated significant potential in treating ischemic conditions, chronic wounds, and osteoarticular disorders through their anti-inflammatory and angiogenic effects.Umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs are particularly effective in regenerative therapies for hypoxicischemic encephalopathy and myocardial infarction.In dentistry, MSC-based strategies aim to regenerate periodontal tissues and alveolar bone.