Chonnam National University Study Explores Therapeutic Potential of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cell Secretome in Post-Stroke Functional Recovery

Human dental pulp stem cell secretome attenuates oxidative stress and inflammation, enhancing post-stroke functional recovery in a mouse model

GWANGJU, South Korea, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ischemic stroke can leave lasting neurological damage after the initial vascular event. Although current interventions provide partial protection, their ability to prevent delayed neuronal injury remains limited, hindering functional recovery.

The human dental pulp stem cell (hDPSC) secretome contains extracellular vesicles, growth factors, antioxidant enzymes, and immunomodulatory proteins, offering a potential cell-free therapeutic approach. However, its impact on delayed neuronal injury after reperfusion remains poorly understood.

Now, a study led by Professor Won-Jae Kim from the Stem Cell Secretome Research Center, Department of Oral Physiology, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, South Korea, investigated whether the hDPSC secretome could improve functional recovery in a photothrombotic mouse model and examined the biological processes associated with its effects. Their study was made available online on July 23, 2026, in the journal Advanced Science.

The study identified 299 proteins uniquely present in the hDPSC secretome, primarily associated with extracellular vesicles, immunomodulation, neuroprotection, angiogenesis, apoptosis regulation, and oxidative-stress resistance.

In vitro, the hDPSC secretome improved microglial cell viability, reduced oxidative stress, and restored mitochondrial function. It restored expression of the mitochondrial fusion protein Mfn2 and antioxidant enzyme SOD1 while reducing hypoxia-associated HIF-1α expression. Additionally, it suppressed microglial migration and inflammation, promoting a shift from the pro-inflammatory M1 to the pro-healing M2 phenotype.

In a photothrombotic mouse model, the hDPSC secretome reduced stroke infarct volume and neuronal apoptosis in the cortex and hippocampus. It mitigated oxidative stress and inflammation by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and suppressing TLR4, NOX1–NOX4, and NF-κB signaling. It also modulated M1 microglial activation and increased M2 microglial polarization, while promoting neural stem cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation, restoring vascular density, and rebuilding synaptic architecture.

These biological changes were accompanied by improved physical balance, motor coordination, and sensory-motor responses in stroke-injured mice. The hDPSC secretome also successfully improved spatial learning, working memory, and associative memory, while reducing post-stroke anxiety.

In the longer term, this research could help establish a new therapeutic platform for neurological diseases based on stem cell-derived secretome. Standardizing the active therapeutic components of the hDPSC secretome could enable safer, more reliable, and accessible treatments for stroke survivors.

Reference
Title of original paper: Human Dental Pulp Stem Cell Secretome Restores Ischemic Stroke–Impaired Motor and Cognitive Functions by Reprogramming Redox and Inflammatory Signaling
Journal: Advanced Science
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.76717

About the institute
Chonnam National University is a leading public research university in Gwangju, Republic of Korea. Renowned for its strengths in life sciences, biotechnology, agriculture, engineering, and medical and dental research, the university advances scientific innovation to address global challenges in food security, environmental sustainability, and human health. Through interdisciplinary research and international collaborations, its researchers develop technologies and practical solutions that enhance agricultural productivity, resilience, and societal well-being.
Website: https://global.jnu.ac.kr/jnumain_en.aspx

Contact:
Minji Son
82-62-530-5191
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SOURCE Chonnam National University