Assessment of the ameliorative effect of mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes on the chemotherapy induced mucositis on the tongue mucosa of albino rats

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Summer 9-1-2026

Abstract

Introduction: Oral mucositis is one of the most distressing side effects secondary to chemotherapy. This condition is characterized by inflammation, ulceration, redness, and pain in the oral cavity. Using exosomes derived from stem cells have certain advantages over adult stem cell-based therapies such as high stability and excellent biocompatibility. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ameliorative effect of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells on the chemotherapy induced oral mucositis. Materials and methods: Thirty male Albino rats weighing between 150-200 grams were equally and randomly divided into 3 groups as follows: Group I (control group): containing 10 rats, received saline daily via oral gavage for 14 days. Group II (5-FU group): containing 10 rats, received a single IP injection of 5-FU® drug (50 mg/ kg) each. Group III (5-FU + Exosomes group): containing 10 rats, the rats was treated as group II, then injected by a single injection through the tail vein of exosomes on day 2 (100 μg/kg/dose suspended in 0.2 ml PBS). Rats of each group were euthanized after 14 days, and tongue specimens were collected to be examined histologically and histomorphometrically. Results: The 5-FU treated group marked degenerative changes of the filiform were observed such as areas of keratin separation and hyperkeratinization and the fungiform papillae showed atrophy and deformed taste buds. While the Exosomes treated group showed marked improvement in the histological results. Conclusion: Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells exerted an obvious ameliorative effect against the induced mucositis caused by the cytotoxic effect of 5-flourouracil represented by improved histological and morphometric results.

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