Evaluation of Regeneration Potential of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Induced Damaged Submandibular Salivary Gland in Mice.

OBJECTIVES:  The ultimate goal of stem cell (SC) transplantation is the regeneration of salivary gland function by transplanted SCs differentiating into salivary gland cells. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the regenerative capacity of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) transplantation in irradiated mice using the immunohistochemical markers Ki-67 and CD34. MATERIAL AND METHODS:  Four groups of male mice were included in the study. Group I (normal control) comprised six mice that were not subjected to gamma radiation. Group II comprised six irradiated mice that were not treated with BM-MSCs. Group III comprised 12 irradiated mice that were treated with intraglandular injection of labeled BM-MSCs into their submandibular salivary glands, 24 hours postradiation. Group IV comprised 12 irradiated mice that were treated with intraglandular injection of labeled BM-MSCs into their submandibular salivary glands, on day 11 postradiation. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:  Data were presented as mean and standard deviation. The different groups were compared using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS:  The ANOVA test revealed that the difference between all groups was extremely statistically significant (p < 0.003), and Tukey's post hoc test revealed a statistically significant difference between group II and groups I, III, and IV included in the study regarding microvessel density of CD34 immunoexpression in different groups. CONCLUSION:  BM-MSCs have a regeneration potential on induced damaged submandibular salivary glands in mice; time is an essential factor in the regeneration capacity of BM-MSCs.