Abstract
Dry mouth that occurs after menopause significantly reduces the quality of life of the elderly. The extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells are being studied for application in various pathological conditions in the field of tissue regenerative medicine. This study is to investigate the therapeutic effect on salivary gland dysfunction occurring after ovariectomy using tonsil mesenchymal stem cells (T-MSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles. The rats were divided into the following groups: sham-operated rats (SHAM), rats that underwent ovariectomy (OVX), and rats that underwent OVX surgery and were simultaneously injected with T-MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (OVX+EV). The rats were sacrificed 6 weeks after ovariectomy. Estradiol levels decreased in the OVX group compared with those in the SHAM group. Extracellular vesicles had no effect on estradiol levels or estrogen receptor β expression. The evaluation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6, increased in the OVX group and decreased in the OVX+EV group. The expressions of collagen I and TGFβI increased in the OVX group but decreased in the OVX+EV group. Moreover, to examine submandibular gland function, AQP5 and α-amylase expressions were downregulated in the OVX group, but improved upon exosome injection. In conclusion, T-MSC-derived extracellular vesicles are useful for the prevented submandibular gland dysfunction that occurs after menopause.
Highlights
Menopause is a physiological process characterized by the cessation of menstruation, resulting from a loss of ovarian function
The ultrastructure and size distribution of extracellular vesicles derived from tonsil mesenchymal stem cells (T-Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)) #1 (Figure 2A, upper panel) and T-MSCs #2 (Figure 1A, lower panel) were determined by conducting a nanoparticle tracking analysis
There is no standard effective treatment for salivary gland www.aging-us.com expression of TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6 was higher in the OVX group than in the shamoperated rats (SHAM) group
Summary
Menopause is a physiological process characterized by the cessation of menstruation, resulting from a loss of ovarian function. Menopausal changes can induce vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flushes, night sweats, and dyspareunia, as well as dry eyes and dry mouth [1]. Menopause is accompanied by physical and functional changes in the oral cavity. Previous studies have revealed that these changes are caused by postmenopausal hormone deficiency, which could induce a reduction in salivary gland secretions [2]. Menopause-induced xerostomia induces dry mouth, which is associated with oral pain and difficulties in speech. Xerostomia reduces the quality of life of women after menopause. Studies on the mechanism of reduction of salivation after menopause are important for the prevention of oral diseases and salivary gland dysfunction. The mechanism associated with the reduction of salivary gland function during menopause has not been well studied
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