Scientists from Japan have regenerated fully functioning bioengineered salivary and tear glands, according to two reviews published in the journal Nature Communications.
Researchers from the Tokyo University of Science, led by professor Takashi Tsuji, say their findings demonstrate proof-of-concept and indicate a big step toward next-generation organ replacement regenerative therapies, helping people whose organs have been damaged by disease, injury or aging.
For both studies, the researchers transplanted and tested their regenerated glands in mouse models that had certain disorders.
The mice who underwent salivary gland transplantation had a disorder known as xerostomia, while the mice who had the tear gland transplantation suffered from a forn of dry eye disease (DED).
"Many people are affected by dry mouth or dry eye," Miho Ogawa, researcher at the Tokyo University of Science told Medical News Today.
"Current therapies for these diseases can temporarily increase the flow rate of saliva or tear, but cannot restore the secretory gland function. Therefore, a novel therapeutic treatment for the restoration of secretory gland function is needed."
Regenerated salivary gland 'protects against oral infections'
The fully functional bioengineered salivary gland was created in order to combat salivary gland hypofunction, known as xerostomia. This condition occurs as a result of radiation therapy for head cancer. It can cause many oral health issues, including dental decay, bacterial infection and swallowing dysfunction.
With this is mind, the researchers regenerated a fully functional salivary gland through orthotopic transplantation of a bioengineered salivary gland germ.
The researchers explain that the bioengineered germ developed into a mature gland. Tested in a mouse model, the gland was able to produce saliva in response to pilocarpin - a drug used to treat dry mouth - and stimulation through citrate. The gland was also found to protect against oral infection and restored normal swallowing.
The study authors explain:
"The bioengineered submandibular gland, which was transplanted using an inter-epithelial tissue-connecting plastic method, produced saliva in response to the administration of gustatory stimulation by citrate, protected against oral bacterial infection and restored swallowing in a mouse model of a salivary gland defect.
Thus, this study provides a proof-of-concept for bioengineered salivary gland regeneration as a potential treatment of xerostomia."
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