Therapeutic Potential of Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells on Injuries and Disorders in the Central Nervous System

Abstract

Despite recent advances in neurosurgery and pharmaceuticals, contemporary treatments are ineffective in restoring lost neurological functions in patients with injuries and disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, novel and effective therapies are urgently needed. Recent studies have indicated that stem cells, including embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), could repair/replace damaged or degenerative neurons and improve functional recovery in both preclinical and clinical trials. However, there are many unanswered questions and unsolved issues regarding stem cell therapy in terms of potency, stability, oncogenicity, immune response, cell sources, and ethics. Currently, human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) derived from the amnion exhibit considerable advantages over other stem cells and have drawn much attention from researchers. hAECs are readily available, pose no ethical concerns, and have little risk of tumorigenicity and immunogenicity. Mounting evidence has shown that hAECs can promote neural cell survival and regeneration, repair affected neurons, and reestablish damaged neural connections. It is suggested that hAECs may be the most promising candidate for cell-based therapy of neurological diseases. In this review, we mainly focus on recent advances and potential applications of hAECs for treating various CNS injuries and neurodegenerative disorders. We also discuss current hurdles and challenges regarding hAEC therapies.

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“…NSCs contribute to the repair of neuronal function in brain tissue, but because they are low in number and have a limited distribution range in the brain, NSCs exhibit a limited capacity for repairing neural damage [59]. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated effects on vascular endothelial cells include accelerated proliferation and migration of NSCs, the formation of new blood vessels, and an increase in vascular permeability [59].…”

“…NSCs contribute to the repair of neuronal function in brain tissue, but because they are low in number and have a limited distribution range in the brain, NSCs exhibit a limited capacity for repairing neural damage [59]. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated effects on vascular endothelial cells include accelerated proliferation and migration of NSCs, the formation of new blood vessels, and an increase in vascular permeability [59]. Studies have reported that transplantation of VEGF-transfected NSCs can be administered to treat cerebral ischemia in adult rats; NSCs have been discovered to migrate to the host brain tissue and express VEGF gene products [59].…”

“…Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated effects on vascular endothelial cells include accelerated proliferation and migration of NSCs, the formation of new blood vessels, and an increase in vascular permeability [59]. Studies have reported that transplantation of VEGF-transfected NSCs can be administered to treat cerebral ischemia in adult rats; NSCs have been discovered to migrate to the host brain tissue and express VEGF gene products [59]. This transplantation therapy has a protective effect on local blood vessels and neurons in the brain [59].…”

“…Studies have reported that transplantation of VEGF-transfected NSCs can be administered to treat cerebral ischemia in adult rats; NSCs have been discovered to migrate to the host brain tissue and express VEGF gene products [59]. This transplantation therapy has a protective effect on local blood vessels and neurons in the brain [59]. In one particular study, a group constructed a recombinant lentivirus vector containing the VEGF 165 gene to examine the neuroprotective effect of the transplantation of VEGF-transfected NSCs in neonatal CP rats [59].…”

“…This transplantation therapy has a protective effect on local blood vessels and neurons in the brain [59]. In one particular study, a group constructed a recombinant lentivirus vector containing the VEGF 165 gene to examine the neuroprotective effect of the transplantation of VEGF-transfected NSCs in neonatal CP rats [59].…”