Oral and systemic diseases under the framework of homeostatic medicine

Homeostatic Medicine is an emerging integrative discipline that focuses on decoding the pivotal role of homeostasis in health and diseases and exploring strategies to restore inherent homeostasis for disease treatment and prevention. It not only provides a transformative theoretical framework, but also novel therapeutic strategies that may potentially revolutionize medical research and clinical practice. In this review, we first introduce the development, fundamental concepts, and core principles of Homeostatic Medicine. Then, we delve into two key regulatory systems as examples of homeostatic control: the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide (NO) pathway, mediated by the transporter Sialin, and the multifaceted regulation of oral stem cell (OSC) homeostasis, which encompasses metabolic flexibility, epigenetic programming, signaling networks, and immune-stem cell crosstalk. Under the framework of Homeostatic Medicine, we investigate the mechanisms of homeostatic dysregulation across a spectrum of diseases, including oral diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Subsequently, we leverage these insights to propose novel therapeutic strategies. Lastly, by synthesizing current knowledge, we outline the future research directions and translational pathways, emphasizing the importance of deep interdisciplinary collaboration in the development of Homeostatic Medicine.