The Implication of Stem Cell Therapy in Cleft Lip and Palate and Other Craniofacial Anomalies – A Literature Review

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackground In recent times, stem cell therapy has recently gained popularity, and is used for regenerating oral and maxillofacial structures. This study aimed to review stem cell applications in the reconstructive treatment of cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial anomalies.Methods A search on the PubMed database, Dental and Oral Science and CINAHL was conducted to identify relevant studies on stem cells and their implications in the reconstructive treatment of cleft lip and palate.Results Studies included in this review reported stem cell usage in the reconstruction of defects in cleft lip and palate cases, hemifacial microsomia, Treacher-Collins syndrome, Parry-Romberg syndrome and craniosynostosis. Stem cell knowledge is being utilized for several different tissues and organs. Preclinical data has displayed the potential of stem cells for craniofacial surgery.Conclusions Fortunately, stem cell-based oral and maxillofacial regeneration has shown promising results. Understanding stem cell practice will open a new era of research and proposed advancement in treating various diseases.

Keywords

• Mesenchymal stem cells
• tissue regeneration
• bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells
• tissue engineering
• human genetics