Present Status of Research on the Regenerative Potential of Dental Pulp Stem Cells in Malaysia: A Systematic Review

Nazmul Haque

doi:10.15419/psc.v8i1.410

Abstract

Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) or dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) from permanent teeth are considered promising sources of mesenchymal stem cells. It requires a less invasive technique to isolate stem cells from exfoliated or permanent teeth. Hence this study aimed to identify the present status of research on the regenerative potential of SHED/DPSCs in Malaysia. The results indicate that only 60 articles were published in regenerative medicine from Malaysia till 5th July 2019. Only 16 tertiary institutes and four industries/clinics were involved in these studies. A poor pattern of collaboration has also been identified. Outcomes of this study have emphasized the conduction of more research on the regenerative potential of SHED/DPSCs, and active collaboration among the tertiary institutes and industries for successful translation of these cells from bench side to bedside.

Highlights

Chronic disease and disability are becoming more prevalent worldwide with a rapid increase in life expectancy [1,2]
It has been observed that studies on the regenerative potential of Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED)/dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) started publishing from 2009 only in Malaysia
It can be postulated that the lack of knowledge and awareness about the regenerative potential of SHED/DPSCs among the health practitioners could be one of the major causes behind its being unpopular in the scientific community

Summary

Introduction

Chronic disease and disability are becoming more prevalent worldwide with a rapid increase in life expectancy [1,2]. The prevalence of several degenerative and non-communicable diseases like acute myocardial infarction, stroke, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, among others, increased gradually 3. The ethical concern over the use of ESCs 5, and donors’ fear towards the invasive techniques and/or donor site morbidity during collection of tissues for iPSCs generation limiting the clinical uses of these cells [6,7]. Among different sources of MSCs, isolation of dental pulp stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) and permanent teeth (DPSCs) are less invasive and pose no risk to the donors [10,11]

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion