Fetal mesenchymal stem cells: isolation, properties and potential use in perinatology and regenerative medicine.

摘要

The fetus is a source of nonembryonic stem cells (SC), with potential applications in perinatal medicine. Cells derived from the placenta, membranes, amniotic fluid or fetal tissues are higher in number, expansion potential and differentiation abilities compared with SC from adult tissues. Although some obstacles keep SC biology at distance from clinical application, the feasibility of using (homologous) SC for tissue engineering for the fetus with a congenital birth defect has been demonstrated. Also, other pathologies may benefit from SC technology.