Counteracting bone fragility with human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract

The impaired maturation of bone-forming osteoblasts results in reduced bone formation and subsequent bone weakening, which leads to a number of conditions such as osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Transplantation of human fetal mesenchymal stem cells has been proposed as skeletal anabolic therapy to enhance bone formation, but the mechanisms underlying the contribution of the donor cells to bone health are poorly understood and require further elucidation. Here, we show that intraperitoneal injection of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (AFSCs) into a mouse model of OI (oim mice) reduced fracture susceptibility, increased bone strength, improved bone quality and micro-architecture, normalised bone remodelling and reduced TNFα and TGFβ sigalling. Donor cells engrafted into bones and differentiated into osteoblasts but importantly, also promoted endogenous osteogenesis and the maturation of resident osteoblasts. Together, these findings identify AFSC transplantation as a countermeasure to bone fragility. These data have wider implications for bone health and fracture reduction.

Protein and Molecular Characterization of a Clinically Compliant Amniotic Fluid Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicle Fraction Capable of Accelerating Muscle Regeneration Through Enhancement of Angiogenesis

“…However an extensive body of research has shown that in many cases the differentiating cell is multipotent. These findings have been exploited to develop therapies in which one conveniently isolated stem cell population can be used to treat numerous damaged tissues [2,3]. As such, it is assumed that stem cells make a direct cellular contribution to the regenerated tissue.…”

“…One particularly attractive source is amniotic fluid derived stem cells (AFSCs). These cells support the regeneration of bone [2], lung [16], kidney [17,18], intestine [4], heart [19] and skeletal muscle [20,21]. They are easily isolated from human amniotic fluid which is routinely collected during clinical prenatal diagnostic procedures such as amniocentesis and which is not associated with any ethical issues.…”

The Use of Stem Cells to Treat Osteogenesis Imperfecta

“…Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are cells that can be isolated from bone marrow. When being used to treat Osteogenesis Imperfecta the cells form osteoblasts within the body [19]. These osteoblasts will then be able to produce new bone cells within the body.…”

“…These osteoblasts will then be able to produce new bone cells within the body. MSCs have the potential to differentiate into osteoblasts, the type of cells that are responsible for new bone formation [19]. MSCs also have certain characteristics that make them ideal for use in a clinical setting [19].…”

“…MSCs have the potential to differentiate into osteoblasts, the type of cells that are responsible for new bone formation [19]. MSCs also have certain characteristics that make them ideal for use in a clinical setting [19]. These characteristics include immunosuppressive and antiinflammatory properties.…”