Stem Cells From Human Amniotic Fluid Hold Promise

Two papers published in the current issue of Cell Transplantation (20:6), highlight the rich source of stem cells in human amniotic fluid that can be isolated and transplanted for therapeutic purposes.

Amniotic fluid a rich source of mesenchymal stromal cells “Stem cells isolated from human amniotic fluid (AFSs) have the ability to differentiate into different cell types,” said study corresponding author Dr. Cesar V. Borlongan, professor and vice chair for research in the University of South Florida’s Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair.

“Recent research has shown that amniotic fluid-derived stem cells show similarities to both embryonic and adult stem cells and can differentiate into many different kinds of cells.” The study authors determined that amniotic fluid-derived stem cells represent not only a promising source of stem cells for further research, but may also serve as a “customized cell supply” for the newly born.

The cells have the capacity to be “banked” for transplantation in immunologically-matched recipients.

According to the authors, AFSs can give rise to adipogenic, osteogenic, myogenic, neurogenic and hepatic cell lineages.

The cells, they said, are “intermediate between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.”

“These cells have a high renewal capacity and can be expanded without loss of cellular integrity, such as a loss of chromosomal telomere length,” explained Dr. Borlongan. “We need further investigations to fully explore the amniotic cells’ potential for treating adult human disorders.”