Therapeutic potential of dental mesenchymal stem cells versus mesenchymal stem cells from other sources: a systematic review of animal studies

Stem cell-based therapy, a crucial area of regenerative medicine, aims to enhance the body’s repair mechanisms by stimulating, modulating, and regulating endogenous stem cells or replenishing cell pools, thereby promoting tissue homeostasis and regeneration and offering promising treatments for numerous systemic diseases. This systematic review comprehensively summarizes animal studies investigating the efficacy of dental mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) in treating systemic diseases and promoting tissue regeneration compared to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from other sources. PICO question was, “What is the difference in efficacy between dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells from other sources when used for the treatment of systemic diseases and/or tissue regeneration?” A comprehensive search, up to October 2024, across PubMed, Embase, and Scopus was conducted using a defined search strategy to identify relevant studies. Controlled animal studies were included, and the risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE tool. This systematic review included 29 studies published between 2008 and 2024, comparing the therapeutic efficacy of various dental-derived stem cells, including DPSCs (Dental Pulp Stem Cells), DPNCCs (Dental Pulp Neural Crest Cells), GMSCs (Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells), SHEDs (Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth), and PDLSCs (Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells) with other stem cell sources in preclinical animal models. DMSCs demonstrated significant osteogenic potential, enhanced neuroprotection, angiogenesis, and robust immunomodulatory effects, showing superior performance compared to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and other sources in tissue repair, functional recovery, and inflammation modulation across multiple systems, including musculoskeletal, oral, ocular, neural, immune, dermal, metabolic, cardiovascular, and pulmonary. However, some studies reported similar or slightly better outcomes with other stem cell types, depending on the specific application or disease model. DMSCs exhibit promising therapeutic potential, often outperforming traditional MSC sources such as bone marrow and adipose tissue in preclinical settings. Their accessibility through minimally invasive procedures and robust regenerative properties position them as a viable option for translational medicine. However, methodological heterogeneity and limited standardization across studies necessitate further rigorous research to validate these findings and optimize their clinical application.