Modeling Mesenchymal Stem Cells in TMJ Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Therapy.

Stem cells have self-renewal capacity and an ability to differentiate into particular cell types generating mature cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a significant role in tissue homeostasis, which leads into tissue regeneration. MSCs are rare pluripotent cells supporting hematopoietic and mesenchymal cell lineages. MSCs are also believed to have therapeutic power over temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (TMDs). The most common type of TMD is articular disc displacement, which induces progressive degenerative changes. These changes lead to rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. In this review, use of human mesenchymal cells (hMSCs) for therapeutic treatment of inflammatory diseases of TMJ is discussed.