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The Protective Effects of MSC‐Derived Exosomes Against Chemotherapy‐Induced Parotid Gland Cytotoxicity

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Fluorouracil (5‐FU) is one of the most popular chemotherapeutic agents used in various cancer therapy protocols. Cell‐free therapy utilizing exosomes is gaining increased popularity as a safer option due to concerns over potential tumor progression following stem cell therapy. Methods: Parotid glands of albino were treated with a single bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSC)‐derived exosomes injection (100 μg/kg/dose suspended in 0.2 mL phosphate‐buffered saline [PBS]), a single 5‐Fu injection (20 mg/kg), and BMMSC‐derived exosomes plus 5‐FU and compared to control group (daily saline injections). After 30 days, the parotid glands were examined using qualitative histological evaluation, immunohistochemical evaluation using rabbit polyclonal mouse antibody to Ki‐67, caspase 3, and iNOS , as well as quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) to evaluate gene expression of TGFβ1 , TNF-α , and BCL-2 . Results: Histological examination of the parotid gland revealed that BMMSC‐derived exosomes restored the glands’ architecture and repaired most of the distortion created by 5‐FU. Immunohistochemical expression of tumor proliferation and cell death markers were restored to normal levels in the exosome‐treated groups that were similar to the control group. Furthermore, BMMSC‐derived exosomes reversed the effects of 5‐FU on quantitative gene expression levels and showed a significant decrease in TNF-α ( p < 0.001) and a significant increase in TGFβ ( p < 0.0001) and BCL-2 ( p < 0.05) when compared to 5‐FU treatment. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the current study, BMMSC‐derived exosomes have the potential to counteract the cytotoxic effects of 5‐FU on the parotid glands of rats in vivo. Further studies are deemed necessary to simulate clinical scenarios.

Source: International Journal of Dentistry

DOI: 10.1155/ijod/5517092

Authors: Mahmoud M. Bakr, Mahmoud Al Ankily, Mohamed Shamel

Institutions: Griffith University, British University in Egypt

Language: English

Topic: Extracellular vesicles in disease

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,560