PROSPECTS FOR THE APPLICATION OF ADIPOSE-DERIVED MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS IN ORAL MEDICINE

INTRODUCTION: Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has recently been introduced in literature as possible approach for different chronic inflammatory disorders. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are one of stem cell types that are frequently tested in several studies. This is because adipose tissue is a reliable and abundant source of MSCs and can be collected with minimal invasiveness. RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS: ASCs are reported to have immunomodulatory, pro-angiogenic, and oncosuppressive capacities which are probably mediated by reduction of levels of miRNA sequences. On the other hand, many of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are mostly chronic inflammatory conditions. In addition, the relation between increased miRNA levels and the increased probability of OPMDs neoplastic transformation has been reported in literature. GENERAL AIM: This study aims to review narratively the literature on the application of ASCs in different pathological conditions, including OPMDs. METHODOLOGY: ASCs are multipotent stem cells that is harvested from the vascular fraction of adipose tissue and extracted by liposuction samples. RESULTS: Several studies tested ASCs application in in-vitro, ex-vivo, and patient models for several pathological conditions, such as systemic sclerosis, epidermolysis bullosa, periodontal lesions, and vulvar dystrophies in women with genital Lichen Planus. CONCLUSIONS: The studies revealed that ASCs application on the mucocutaneous conditions reduced levels of both miRNA and other markers involved in healing and scar formation processes. The incapacity of ASC to present antigen offers the possibility to be safely and anonymously harvested by healthy donors. These positive considerations open up the possibility of testing these cells for OPMDs, such as Oral Lichen Planus.