Stem Cells Targeting Inflammation as Potential Anti-aging Strategies and Therapies

Abstract

Human aging is associated with a vast array of clinical disorders that all relate to the body's inability to maintain homeostasis. In our bodies, the healing process requires tight control of the acute inflammatory response. When the levels of inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and C-reactive protein are elevated, there is a direct correlation with several chronic diseases of aging such as cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and physical disability. Extensive studies have shown strong evidence that elevated levels of these pro-inflammatory mediators may predict disease and disability in the aging population. As there is no cure for aging, a key question is how to modulate the effects of inflammation on aging and how to maintain healthy aging. Stem cells offer alternative approaches for treating various diseases/disorders. The use of stem cells as immune system modulators has shown tremendous promise. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have specific immunomodulatory properties that may help control inflammation. Several animal studies demonstrate that intravenous infusions of MSCs can decrease the pro-inflammatory response while increasing the anti-inflammatory response. Moreover, human clinical studies using MSCs in autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases have demonstrated modulation of the inflammatory response. Therefore, the use of stem cells as anti-aging therapies may offer many an alternative method of slowing down or deterring several of the detrimental aspects of aging.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Aging Frailty

“…“Inflammaging” is a term that has been used to depict the particular molecular and cellular inter-related events that promote the process of aging ( 35 ). With aging, there is a continuous accumulation of damaged macromolecules and cells, generation of toxic metabolites and microbial byproducts, and development of cellular senescence and immunosenescence ( 36 , 37 ). Not only does inflammaging accelerate the aging process, it is linked with and accelerates the diseases associated with aging, including cardiovascular diseases, cognitive, and neurologic impairments, cancer, and degenerative joint disease.…”

“…Importantly, the increased susceptibility to disease and death is a result of these molecular inflammation-related changes in physiological systems. As such, measuring the molecules or biomarkers that mediate inflammation has become a useful tool to assess the aging process ( 37 ). For instance, there is evidence that circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines increase during aging.…”

“…This same inflammatory response underlies the tissue damage linked to various age-related chronic diseases ( 39 ). Indeed, a multitude of studies have now reliably demonstrated that chronically high levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers do predict risk of morbidity and mortality in the elderly population ( 37 ).…”

“…Frailty involves aging-related decreases in organ physiologic reserve, leading to impaired ability to withstand stressors and resulting in increased vulnerability to disease. Frail patients manifest disturbances in the hematologic and inflammatory systems, which seem to be at the core of this geriatric syndrome ( 37 , 40 ). For instance, frail patients have elevated levels of fibrinogen, IL-6, factor VIII, D-dimer, and CRP compared to non-frail patients ( 32 , 41 ).…”

Regeneration of Salivary Gland Defects of Diabetic Wistar Rats Post Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells Intraglandular Transplantation on Acinar Cell Vacuolization and Interleukin-10 Serum Level

“…DPSC allegedly has a good salivary gland regeneration capacity by being a component of epithelial cells (acinar) itself or by being a salivary gland mesenchymal component to induce and support the regeneration process of the salivary glands. Therefore, stem cell-based regenerative therapy is expected to produce replacement tissue that can mimic the natural structure and function of the salivary glands and provide long-term benefits for salivary gland defects [12][13][14][15].…”