Placental amniotic epithelial cells and their therapeutic potential in liver diseases

Abstract

As a unique source of stem cells, there is a growing interest in amniotic epithelial (AE) cells. Placenta is readily available; in fact, it is often discarded following delivery. As such, it is without the ethical concerns of embryonic stem cells. Further advantages to AE include that AE cells do not demonstrate tumorigenicity upon transplantation, and are gifted with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, AE cells have exceptional features for use as cell-based therapies for liver disease.

Keywords: liver diseases; placenta; placental amniotic epithelial cells; stem cells; therapy.

Figure 1

(A) Human placenta layers: amnion, chorion, and decidua. Amniotic layer is composed of a single-celled epithelial layer and a deeper mesodermal layer. Chorionic layer is composed of a mesodermal layer and a trophoblast layer. (B) Isolation of amnion membrane from placenta. The maternal side of placenta is placed face down and a shallow X-shaped incision is made through the center of the placenta. The thin, nearly transparent amnion membrane is then peeled starting at the center of the cut and progressing outward. (C) Morphology of amniotic epithelial cells in culture (×40).