Poster Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A31]

Regenerative Stem Cell Strategies for Pollution-Induced Respiratory Disease

Presenter: Ryanna-kelly Vizengwa Musambai

Faculty Sponsor: Reena Randhir

School: Springfield Technical Community College

Research Area: Biology

ABSTRACT

Air pollution is a global health concern linked to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and lung cancer. Long exposure to pollutants progressively damages lung tissues and reduces immune function. Particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, and ozone are only some of the many pollutants that can cause oxidative stress and inflammation in the lungs. Hence, this study investigates whether stem cell therapy can improve lung functionality after a pollution-induced injury.  A systematic literature review in PubMed was conducted to study the benefits of stem cell therapy in pollution induced lung tissue damage. Studies indicate that stem cells play a regenerative and anti-inflammatory role that regulates immune responses and supports alveolar healing. There are three main types of stem cells: pluripotent (derived from embryos), multipotent (from adult tissues), and induced pluripotent stem cells (lab-reprogramed adult cells). These cells have demonstrated potential in immune modulation, and secretion of growth factors that can help alveolar healing. Data indicates that this strategy demonstrated improvements in tissue recovery by roughly 20-50%, where as cases of inflammatory cytokines have reported to be decreased by 30-60% in studies using mesenchymal stem cells related therapy. In addition there are stem cell derived exosomes that are seen as a safer alternative to a full cell transplant as they may reduce the risk of immune rejection or tumor formation. Overall, stem cell therapy is a promising strategy to reduce long-term respiratory effects of pollution exposure but further research is needed to establish clinical effectiveness and long-term safety.

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