Characteristics of Full-Term Amniotic Fluid-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Different Culture Media

Abstract

Amniotic fluid contains precious therapeutic stem cells with ideal features such as they are broadly multipotent, genetically stable, and non-tumorigenic. One of the stem cells that is abundantly found in amniotic fluid is mesenchymal stem cells. Human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells (hAFMSCs) had been successfully isolated from amniotic fluid obtained from second or third trimester amniocentesis. However, studies on hAFMSCs obtained during full-term delivery are still lacking. Furthermore, suitable culture media to propagate hAFMSCs for therapeutic purposes have not been fully established. Basal medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum is commonly used, and unfortunately, this condition has been associated with the risk of transmission of animal pathogens and xenogenic immune reaction. An efficient isolation and expansion method together with suitable culture conditions is essential in establishing a specific homogenous cell population, such as full-term hAFMSCs, of clinical grade. In this chapter we briefly describe the feasibility of generating hAFMSCs from full-term amniotic fluid obtained during cesarean section using serum-free medium as opposed to the conventional serum containing media. These findings would be very useful in utilizing stem cells for bench side application from a source that is accessible and devoid of ethical and safety concerns.

Differentiation of CD117+ Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells towards Nephron Progenitors

“…13 In this study by using flowcytometry technique it has been shown that less then 1% population of Amniotic fluid stem cells (CD117 + cells) were present in the samples which were characterized by using antibodies against cell surface marker, for further conformation we also used negative marker CD34, which were not detected in amniotic fluid. 14 At stage of nephron progenitor cells it is very important to express the protein at molecular level, which we confirmed using Immunofluorescence, the one positive marker (WT1). 15 One negative marker (CD117), and secondary antibodies used as isotype control.…”

Identification of Nephron Progenitor Cells from WT1 through Amniotic Fluid as a Stem Cell Initiator

“…Only small number of positive cells was present in amniotic fluid which as reported in previous studies. 12 Phase contrast microscopy revealed that, first AFSCs were appeared as spindle shaped and later it showed as round clusters (resembling NPCs) as mentioned in various studies. [13][14][15][16][17][18] In present study, confirmation of nephron progenitor cells was done by WT1 antibody which is highly expressive in NPCs, whereas in prior studies, SIX2 was also expressed along with WT1.…”

Extraembryonic Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells in Liver Diseases: A Critical Revision of Promising Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products

“…Amniotic liquid is still considered an important source of MSC for cell-based therapy [ 33 ]. AF-MSC have been largely described and fulfilling all the criteria needed (surface markers and gene expressions) to be defined as multipotent MSC [ 34 , 35 , 36 ]. AF-MSCs are accessible and easily isolated/purified in a less invasive manner than other extraembryonic and somatic MSCs.…”