Oxytocin, the Love Hormone, in Stem Cell Differentiation

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Oxytocin (OXT) is a neurohypophysial nonapeptide that exerts its effects mainly through the oxytocin receptor (OXTR). Several studies have pointed out the role of OXT in the modulation of stem cell (SC) fate and properties. SCs are undifferentiated cells characterized by a remarkable ability to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types of the body. In this review, we focused on the role of OXT in SC differentiation. Specifically, we summarize and discuss the scientific research examining the effects of OXT on mesodermal SC-derived lineages, including cardiac, myogenic, adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. The available studies related to the effects of OXT on SC differentiation provide little insights about the molecular mechanism mediated by the OXT-OXTR pathway. Further research is needed to fully elucidate these pathways to effectively modulate SC differentiation and develop potential therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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