Protective/restorative role of the adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells on the radioiodine-induced salivary gland damage in rats
AbstractBackgroundTo analyze protective/regenerative effects of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC) on131I-Radioiodine (RAI)-induced salivary gland damage in rats.Materials and MethodsStudy population consisted of controls (n:6) and study groups (n:54): RAI (Group 1), ADMSC (Group 2), amifostine (Group 3), RAI+amifostine (Group 4), concomitant RAI+ADMSC (Group 5) and RAI+ADMSC after 48 h (Group 6). We used light microscopy (LM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and salivary gland scintigraphy (SGS), and analyzed data statistically.ResultsWe observed the homing of ADMSC in salivary glands at 1stmonth on LM. RAI exposure affected necrosis, periductal fibrosis, periductal sclerosis, vascular sclerosis and the total sum score were in a statistically significant manner (P< 0.05). Intragroup comparisons with LM at 1stand 6thmonths revealed statistically significant improvements in Group 6 (P< 0.05) but not in Groups 4 and 5. Intergroup comparisons of the total score showed that Groups 4 and 5 in 1stmonth and Group 6 in 6thmonth had the lowest values. TEM showed vacuolization, edema, and fibrosis at 1stmonth, and an improvement in damage in 6thmonth in Groups 5 and 6. SGSs revealed significant differences for the maximum secretion ratio (Smax) (P= 0.01) and the gland-to-background ratio at a maximum count (G/BGmax) (P= 0. 01) at 1stmonth, for G/BGmax (P= 0.01), Smax (P= 0.01) and the time to reach the maximum count ratio over the time to reach the minimum count (Tmax/Tmin) (P= 0.03) at 6thmonth. 1stand 6thmonth scans showed differences for Smax and G/BGmax (P= 0.04), but not for Tmax/Tmin (p> 0.05). We observed a significant deterioration in gland function in group 1, whereas, mild to moderate deteriorations were seen in protective treatment groups.ConclusionsOur results indicated that ADMSC might play a promising role as a protective/regenerative agent against RAI-induced salivary gland dysfunction.