Amniotic Stem Cells and Cardiac Birth Defect Repair

Amniotic Stem Cells 

            A team at the University of Michigan Department of Surgery has revealed that amniotic stem cells could repair cardiac birth defects. Every year, 40,000 babies are diagnosed with cardiac birth defects. These babies must undergo numerous surgeries, maybe even transplants, in the first year of their life. The solution is to form new tissue or rid the heart of the damaged cells; amniotic stem cells may provide said solution.

            Amniotic stem cells are promising as an alternative to other stem cell options. Embryonic stem cells are obtained by destroying the embryo, thus causing public opposition. Bone marrow stem cells are not meant to act like cardiac muscle and the infant’s immune system has to be suppressed to accept the cells. Cardiac stem cells have a minute supply of stem cells. In contrast, amniotic stem cells are easily accessible by amniocentesis and the cells will be accepted by the body of the infant.

            In the study, mesenchymal stromal cells were obtained from amniotic fluid samples. The cells were transformed to have the ability to morph into any body cells. The cells transformed into heart muscle cells after three weeks in the culture! In a matter of only twelve weeks, the team successfully made heart muscle cells from amniotic stem cells. Starting in 2014, Dr. Kuniska, the leader of the project, hopes to apply the study to mice. One day, he hopes to apply the work to a human baby. Dr. Kuniska plans on being able to administer the amniotic stem cells to affected children soon after birth. The procedure will help supplement heart surgeries or totally create a healthy heart.

            Earlier this year, a team from Rice University and Texas Children’s Hospital revealed the potential for amniotic stem cells in communicating with heart cells. This earlier study showed that amniotic stem cells were able to communicate with rat heart cells. Yet, the leader of the project stated that the amniotic stem cells could not become cardiac cells, a statement that the team at the University of Michigan proved incorrect.

“Amniotic stem cells show promise in repair of cardiac birth defects” reassured me of the sheer power of science! The use of amniotic stem cells to repair cardiac defects can improve the quantity and quality of life of thousands of children. As discussed in the article, a birth is an event to be cherished and celebrated, not an event that is to cause heartache and stress. Such a treatment will provide hope and relief for parents who only wish for the best for their child. These families may also be able to avoid surgery all together, saving time and money, but also avoiding the fear of putting a child “under the knife.” I found it incredible that in May, one study claimed that amniotic stems cells could not morph into cardiac cells, and only months later, it was revealed that the transformation was possible! I hope that in the near future, we will be able to see amniotic stem cells being used on human babies, not merely on a culture. 

Primary Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131009125951.htm

Secondary Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130502142700.htm

Picture: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/bigphotos/6224392.html