Therapeutic Effects of Human Amniotic Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes on Stem Cell Proliferation in Irradiated Salivary Glands via the Wnt Pathway

This study explored the effects of exosomes from human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs-EXO) on stem cell proliferation and tissue regeneration in irradiated salivary glands of 60 rats. The rats were divided into five groups, with treatments administered post-irradiation. The group treated with hAMSCs-EXO showed significant preservation of salivary gland structure and increased stem cell marker expression, particularly by day 7, compared to other irradiated groups. Enhanced proliferative activity was confirmed through EdU and Ki67 immunostaining. Conversely, the use of the Wnt pathway inhibitor XAV-939 alone led to reduced proliferation. The results indicate that hAMSC-derived exosomes may aid in stem cell proliferation and tissue restoration via the Wnt signaling pathway.