Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (5): 1196-1206.doi: 10.12307/2026.002

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The position and role of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the repair of tissue injury

Yu Huifen1, Mo Licun1, Cheng Leping1, 2, 3   

  1. 1Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China; 2Institute of Neuroscience and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Brain Function and Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China; 3Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • Received:2024-11-18 Accepted:2025-01-17 Online:2026-02-18 Published:2025-06-25
  • Contact: Cheng Leping, PhD, Professor, Master’s supervisor, Doctoral supervisor, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China; Institute of Neuroscience and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Brain Function and Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China; Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • About author:Yu Huifen, MS, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 32070976 (to CLP); Guangxi Science and Technology Base and Talent Special Project, No. AD21075052 (to CLP)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The 5-hydroxytryptamine system is one of the earliest-developing systems in mammals, playing crucial roles in diverse physiological processes throughout the entire life cycle. Traditionally, research on 5-hydroxytryptamine has primarily focused on its regulatory roles in physiological processes and central nervous system-related diseases. However, recent studies have also highlighted the significant roles of the 5-hydroxytryptamine system in the regenerative medicine. 
OBJECTIVE: To review the reparative functions of the central 5-hydroxytryptamine system in brain injury, spinal cord injury, and bone remodeling, as well as the roles of the peripheral 5-HT system in the regeneration and repair of tissues such as the liver, pancreas, intestines, and skin, thereby offering new insights into the development of therapeutic strategies in stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.
METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the databases “PubMed” and “Google Scholar.” The search terms included: “5-HT,” “regeneration,” “tissue repair,” “5-HT and tissue repair,” “brain injury,” “spinal cord injury,” “bone reconstruction,” “liver regeneration,” “enteric nerve regeneration,” “tissue fibrosis,” “pancreatic regeneration,” “skin repair,” and “inflammation.” Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 118 articles and books were finally included for review and analysis.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The central 5-hydroxytryptamine system facilitates cellular regeneration in injuries such as brain damage, spinal cord injury, and bone remodeling, thereby promoting tissue repair following injuries. (2) The peripheral 5-hydroxytryptamine system plays a positive role in the repair of tissues such as the liver, pancreas, intestines, and skin. (3) However, the 5-hydroxytryptamine system also exhibits adverse effects in tissue repair and regeneration, such as promoting tissue fibrosis and exacerbating inflammation. Therefore, it should be used with caution.


Key words: 5-hydroxytryptamine, regeneration, tissue repair, brain injury, spinal cord injury, bone remodeling, liver regeneration, tissue fibrosis, skin repair, inflammation, engineered tissue construction

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