Structural and functional comparative analysis of porcine and human salivary glands: a narrative review for translational research

The use of animal models plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of human diseases, providing valuable insights into pathophysiological mechanisms and supporting the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Among the available models, porcine models have been recognized as particularly relevant due to their anatomical, genetic, and physiological similarities to humans. Notably, this review provides the first comprehensive comparative analysis of porcine and human salivary glands, integrating anatomical, functional, and translational perspectives. Porcine salivary glands offer a promising platform for comparative studies, as they share both structural and functional characteristics with human salivary tissue. This review highlights the anatomical and functional parallels between porcine and human salivary glands, emphasizing their significance in biomedical research. In recent years, porcine models have been increasingly employed in studies investigating disease mechanisms, drug efficacy and toxicity, as well as regenerative medicine. The integration of these models into translational research is expected to facilitate the development of novel therapeutic approaches and improve clinical outcomes in human patients. Ongoing research on the application of porcine models remains essential for refining current methodologies and expanding the scope of salivary gland studies related to human health and disease.