MSC therapy improves salivary flow in Sjögren's animal models, meta-analysis findsStem cells show promise for Sjögren's syndrome in early research
International dental journalPublished August 3, 2026Study authors: Yang Xinyue, Shi Cheng, Wu Zhuoyang, Hu Jiahao, Yao Aokang, Luo Sheng, Fu Bo, Yu YaqiongPubMed ↗DOI ↗Editorial oversight: Dr. Amelia Tan, PhD · Internal Medicine & Chronic Disease
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Key Takeaway
Interpret MSC therapy as promising in Sjögren's animal models, but human efficacy remains unproven.
This is a meta-analysis of 25 preclinical studies evaluating mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in animal models of Sjögren's syndrome (SjS). The analysis pooled data from studies using MSCs, MSC-derived exosomes, and MSC-conditioned medium. The primary outcome was stimulated salivary flow rate (SFR), with secondary outcomes including inflammatory infiltration and cytokine expression.
Results showed a significant improvement in stimulated salivary flow rate (standardized mean difference = 3.19, 95% CI 2.50-3.88, P <.001). Inflammatory infiltration was significantly reduced (SMD = -2.04, 95% CI -2.66 to -1.43, P <.001). Serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and interferon-gamma decreased, while IL-10 levels increased, though effect sizes were not reported.
The authors note substantial heterogeneity across studies regarding MSC source, dosage, and treatment duration. This variability limits the strength of conclusions. Additionally, these findings are based solely on animal models; efficacy in humans is not established.
For clinicians, these results highlight the potential of MSC-based therapies for Sjögren's syndrome but underscore the need for standardized protocols and further research before any clinical translation. The evidence is preclinical and should not be extrapolated to patient care at this time.
How this fits prior evidence
This meta-analysis extends prior coverage on mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in autoimmune diseases. While a previous review noted no significant improvement in EDSS scores for progressive multiple sclerosis, this analysis in Sjögren's animal models shows significant improvements in salivary flow and inflammation. It also aligns with earlier findings on anti-inflammatory potential in autoimmune conditions, such as genistein, but provides more robust pooled effect sizes. The results address a gap by focusing on Sjögren's syndrome, complementing prior reviews on CD40/CD40L signaling and RNA methylation in autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
Living with Sjögren's syndrome often means dealing with a persistent lack of saliva, which can make eating and speaking difficult. Researchers are looking for ways to calm the inflammation that causes these symptoms. A review of 25 different studies using animal models found that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their components helped improve salivary flow rates.
The study also showed that these treatments reduced inflammatory markers in the blood and lowered levels of specific proteins that cause swelling. While these results are encouraging, it is important to remember that this research was conducted on animals, not humans. The different types of stem cells used across studies varied significantly in source and dose.
Because these findings come from early laboratory work, we cannot say yet if they will work for people with the condition. Scientists still need to establish standard ways to give these treatments before they can be tested safely in human patients.
What this means for you:
Stem cell research in animal models shows promise for improving saliva flow and reducing inflammation in Sjögren's syndrome.
Common questions
What did the study find about saliva production?
The review of 25 studies showed that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their components significantly improved stimulated salivary flow rates in animal models. This suggests a potential way to address the dry mouth symptoms common in Sjögren's syndrome, though more human testing is needed.
How does this treatment affect inflammation?
The research showed that these stem cell treatments reduced inflammatory infiltration and lowered levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and interferon-gamma. They also increased the levels of IL-10, which helps balance the immune response in the body.
Can people with Sjögren's syndrome use this treatment now?
No, this research was conducted on animal models, not humans. Because the study is preclinical and showed a lot of variation in how the stem cells were given, it is not yet ready for human use. You should talk to your doctor about current treatments.
BACKGROUND: Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily characterized by xerostomia, often accompanied by xerophthalmia, cutaneous dryness, arthralgia, and stiffness. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies have shown promising immunomodulatory potential in autoimmune diseases, yet their efficacy in SjS remains uncertain. Before advancing to clinical application, a systematic evaluation of preclinical evidence is essential to clarify their therapeutic impact and experimental consistency.
METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis were registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023471348) and conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to 1 May 2025. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to assess changes in salivary flow rate (SFR), inflammatory infiltration, and cytokine expression.
RESULTS: A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses demonstrated that MSCs, MSC-derived exosomes, and MSC-conditioned medium significantly improved stimulated SFR (standardized mean difference = 3.19, 95% confidence interval 2.50-3.88, P < .001) and reduced inflammatory infiltration (standardized mean difference = -2.04, 95% confidence interval -2.66 to -1.43, P < .001). MSC-based therapies decreased serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 [IL-6] and interferon-gamma) and increased IL-10. Exploration of heterogeneity indicated that MSC type and dosage influenced SFR outcomes, MSC intervention type affected inflammatory infiltration and serum IL-6 levels, and MSC dosage influenced serum IL-10 levels.
CONCLUSION: MSC-based therapies show potential for treating SjS in animal models, improving salivary secretion, reducing inflammation, and modulating immune cytokines. Substantial heterogeneity across studies highlights the need for standardized protocols regarding MSC source, dosage, and treatment duration before clinical translation.
