Effect of Aging on the Morphofunctional Characteristics of Oral Cavity Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Over the past decade, interest has grown in understanding the morphofunctional changes that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) undergo due to age-associated senescence—a process particularly relevant given that adults and elderly individuals are the primary candidates for regenerative therapies. This study addresses this knowledge gap by systematically analyzing the influence of age-related senescence on the morphofunctional properties of MSCs derived from the oral cavity. A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The databases searched were MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. In vitro studies were included if their primary objective was to investigate oral cavity mesenchymal stromal cells and age-related senescence. A total of 455 studies were identified, of which 17 were selected. Studies on MSCs from the oral cavity have shown that age-related senescence, starting around 35 years, reduces proliferation, viability, clonogenic capacity, and differentiation potential—particularly toward osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages—with higher values observed in younger individuals. However, MSC surface markers remain stably expressed and show no association with aging. Some studies also report no significant differences in proliferation rate or cell doubling time at early passages, and MSCs retain some plasticity at these stages. Despite age-related limitations, oral MSCs from elderly donors remain a promising therapeutic source, especially at early in vitro passages. Further research is needed to explore innovative strategies to enhance the regenerative potential of oral MSCs from older donors.