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Updated: May 9, 2026
Isolation, Characterization and MicroRNA-based Genetic Modification of Human Dental Follicle Stem Cells
Published on: November 16, 2018
Stem cells from tooth apical papilla modulate fibromyalgia-like changes in mice
Ana P A Dagnino1, Gabriel Rübensam2, Jefferson B Silva3
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil; Centro de Pesquisa em Toxicologia e Farmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil.
Human stem cells from tooth apical papilla (SCAP) show promise in treating fibromyalgia. Systemic SCAP treatment reduced pain and depression-like behaviors in a mouse model, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for fibromyalgia patients.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fibromyalgia treatment remains challenging.
- Mesenchymal stem cells show analgesic effects, but their role in fibromyalgia needs more research.
- Human stem cells from tooth apical papilla (SCAP) were investigated for fibromyalgia management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of systemically administered SCAP in a reserpine-induced mouse model of fibromyalgia.
- To evaluate SCAP's potential in alleviating fibromyalgia symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Repeated intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment with SCAP was administered to mice.
- Behavioral assessments included mechanical/thermal hypersensitivity tests, forced swimming test (FST), and elevated plus maze.
- Biochemical parameters such as neurotransmitter and glutathione levels were analyzed in specific tissues.
Main Results:
- SCAP treatment significantly reduced mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity and reversed depression-like behavior in mice.
- SCAP partly restored exploratory behavior but did not affect fatigue or grip strength.
- SCAP modulated dopamine, glutamate, and glutathione levels in the masseter muscle, prefrontal cortex, and spinal cord, and increased CXCL1/KC in the spinal cord.
Conclusions:
- Human SCAP demonstrates efficacy in a pre-clinical fibromyalgia model.
- SCAP's therapeutic effects may involve the modulation of both peripheral and central mechanisms.
- Further research into SCAP as a fibromyalgia therapy is warranted.
