Regenerative potential of MSC-derived secretomes in radiation-induced xerostomia: Role of SDF-1, IL-10, and VEGF

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the potential of MSC-derived secretomes, specifically SDF-1, IL-10, and VEGF, as an alternative therapy for xerostomia or other disorders caused by ionizing radiation. Materials and methods: This research is an experimental laboratory-based analytical study. The samples were secretomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from human umbilical cords. The MSCs were divided into two groups: the control group (K), which consisted of MSC cultures without X-ray exposure, and the treatment group (P), consisting of MSC cultures exposed to X-rays. Each cell culture was incubated until day 3 and day 7. The secretion levels of SDF-1, IL-10, and VEGF were then measured using a sandwich ELISA test. Results: The study showed that the average secretion levels of SDF-1, IL-10, and VEGF increased significantly after exposure to 0.16 mSv ionizing radiation, both on day 3 and day 7, compared to the control group without radiation exposure. However, the average secretion levels of SDF-1, IL-10, and VEGF in the treatment group on day 7 (P.7) were lower than those on day 3 (P.3). Conclusion: Secretomes from MSC cultures have great potential as an alternative therapy for xerostomia or other disorders caused by ionizing radiation, serving as a cell-free therapy. Secretomes contain various bioactive molecules such as cytokines, chemokines, antioxidants, and growth factors that play a crucial role in cell and tissue regeneration.