Natural amniotic tissue derived stem cells are found in the amniotic fluid. Injection of these stem cells to injured, damaged, or degenerative body structures has a healing effect. Pain management specialists, orthopedic surgeons, and other physicians are now using amniotic fluid stem cells to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and disorders.
Amniotic fluid surrounds the fetus during pregnancy. It contains a high concentration of proteins, stem cells, cytokins, and other components, which are the fundamental cells of the body. Amniotic fluid can be used for regenerative procedures, and it reduces scars and inflammation.
Stem cells are the fundamental cells in the body. These cells can transform into many different types of cells, including bone cells, cartilage cells, and muscle cells. Because they can become another type of cell, they can be injected into damaged and degenerated body structures for healing purposes.
During a pregnancy, amniotic fluid is thrown away after delivery of the baby. However, consenting mothers who have cesarean sections donate the amniotic fluid to research institutes and medical companies. The cells that are derived from the amniotic sac are not part of the embryo, fetus, or full-term infant.
Amniotic stem cell therapy has many benefits. These include:
Amniotic stem cell treatments are used for patients suffering from:
After you sign a consent form and change into a procedure gown, the nurse positions you on the exam table. The skin over the injured or damage body structure is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. The doctor numbs the skin and deeper tissues using a small needle and anesthetic agent. Using real-time x-ray, the procedure needle is inserted into the joint or near the damaged tissue. The stem cell solution is injected, and the needle is removed.
Depending on your condition, a series of 2-6 injections may be required. Results occur gradually, as the stem cells require time to heal and transform the damaged tissues and structures. After the procedure, the site will feel a little sore. We recommend you take it easy for 2-3 days, and gradually return to usual activities. The benefits are noticed after 1-4 months, depending on the extent of the condition or injury.
Many clinical studies show that amniotic fluid derived stem cells have great potential for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In a recent study where sciatic nerve crush injuries were studied, amniotic fluid stem cells improved electrophysiological indicators of motor and nerve functions. Another research study found that these stem cells enhance nerve regeneration due to the secretion of neuro-trophic factors from the amniotic fluid. Regarding the repair of tendon and cartilage in the human body, researchers found that amniotic fluid stem cells were beneficial. Evidence provided over the last 5 years suggest that amniotic fluid stem cells have a therapeutic potential for many human diseases.
Cananzi M, Atala A, & De Coppi P (2009). Stem cells derived from amniotic fluid: new potentials in regenerative medicine. Repro Biomed Online, 18, Suppl 1: 17-27.
De Coppi P, Callegari A, Chiavegato A, Gasparotto L, Piccoli M, Taiani J, et al. (2007). Amniotic fluid and bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells can be converted to smooth muscle cells in the cryo-injured rat bladder and prevent compensatory hypertrophy of surviving smooth muscle cells. J Urol. 2007;177(1):369-76.
Pan HC, Yang DY, Chiu YT, Lai SZ, Wang YC, Chang MH, et al. (2006). Enhanced regeneration in injured sciatic nerve by human amniotic mesenchymal stem cell. J Clin Neurosci, 13(5):570-5.
Rodrigues MT, Lee SJ, Gomes ME, Reis RL, Atala A, & Yoo JJ (2012). Amniotic fluid-derived stem cells as a cell source for bone tissue engineering. Tissue Eng Part A,18(23-24):2518-27.
