Collection and characterization of amniotic fluid from scheduled C-section deliveries

Abstract

Amniotic fluid (AF) possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and regenerative properties that make it attractive for use in clinical applications. The goals of this study were to assess the feasibility of collecting AF from full-term pregnancies and to evaluate non-cellular and cellular properties of AF for clinical applications. Donor informed consent and medical histories were obtained from pregnant women scheduled for C-sections and infectious disease testing was performed the day of collection. AFs were evaluated for total volume, fluid chemistries, total protein, and hyaluronic acid (HA) levels. AF was also assessed with quantitative antibody arrays, cellular content and for an ability to support angiogenesis. Thirty-six pregnant women consented and passed donor screening to give birth tissue. AF was successfully collected from 17 individuals. Median AF volumes were 70 mL (range 10-815 mL; n = 17). Fluid chemistries were similar, but some differences were noted in HA levels and cytokine profiles. Cytokine arrays revealed that an average of 304 ± 20 of 400 proteins tested were present in AF with a majority of cytokines associated with host defense. AF supported angiogenesis. Epithelioid cells were the major cell type in AF with only a minor population of lymphoid cells. Cultures revealed a highly proliferative population of adherent cells capable of producing therapeutic doses of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). These findings showed that significant volumes of AF were routinely collected from full-term births. AF contained a number of bioactive proteins and only a rare population of MSCs. Variations noted in components present in different AFs, warrant further investigations to determine their relevance for specific clinical applications.

Umbilical cord-derived Wharton’s jelly for regenerative medicine applications

“…In contrast, our formulation expressed high levels of these growth factors and cytokines. The amount of hyaluronic acid detected in our formulation is much higher compared with the amount found in amniotic fluid [58]. Other biologics, such as PRP and bone marrow aspirate concentrate, lack hyaluronic acid.…”

Proliferative, Migratory, and Transition Properties Reveal Metastate of Human Amnion Cells

“…This study did not examine specific factors involved in AF promotion of cellular transitions and/ or its remodeling properties, although AF has various growth factors, cytokines, and exosomes with a potential role in wound healing. 37,38 Analysis of the specific AF constituent responsible for promoting AECs properties described here is beyond the scope of this work. We postulate that this wellbalanced process of cellular transition, collagen production, and inflammation plays a role in the healing of placental membranes after fetal surgery in women who have a balanced intrauterine redox status.…”

“…The amniotic membrane, composed of a single layer of AECs, is constantly bathed in AF that contains but is not limited to growth factors, cytokines, and exosomes. 37,38 We tested the hypothesis that nutrient-rich AF can nourish and nurture amniotic membranes to heal any gaps generated by cell shedding. Scratch wounds were treated with TNIL AF because these samples have lower levels of reactive oxygen radicals and markers of OS compared with TL samples.…”

The immunophenotype of amniotic fluid leukocytes in normal and complicated pregnancies

“…The soluble components include carbohydrates, proteins, peptides, lipids, lactate, pyruvate, electrolytes, enzymes, and hormones, among others 81–99 , many of which act as the first line of defense against pathogens invading the amniotic cavity 100–106 . The cellular components of the amniotic fluid include different cell types derived from exfoliating surfaces of the developing fetus, including the skin, respiratory system, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal tract, as well as stem cells 107–115 .…”