Amniotic Fluid Banking
ATLANTA - It sounds like science fiction. Doctors are using fluid taken from the womb to try to grow body parts. Amniotic stems cells collected during routine prenatal testing could one day be a source for replacement organs.
Health Watch: Amniotic Fluid Banking: MyFoxATLANTA.com
The research is still in its early stages, but some mothers have already started banking amniotic fluid.
Researchers say they don't believe that amniotic stem cells will replace the need for embryonic stem cells.
They say there is growing evidence that there is a spectrum of cell types, from fetal stems cells to embryonic to adult stem cells that can be used to benefit different health conditions. The stem cells contained in amniotic fluid are multifunctional and can grow into many different organs and tissues. Research shows that these stem cells could be used to repair cartilage in the knee, heal wounds or grow heart valves. There are 160 human clinical trials around the world evaluating cells similar to the ones found in amniotic fluid, and researchers predict innovations to continue.
"Amniotic fluid banking is the latest advance in stem cell preservation. Research with these stem cells is leading to significant medical discoveries, and the only way to take advantage is to plan ahead and preserve now," says Dr. Kate Torchilin, PhD, CEO of Biocell Center. "Additionally, a little bit of fluid can be easily collected during prenatal tests throughout pregnancy."
Amniocentesis is not a risk-free procedure.
So for now, doctors don't recommend getting one just for the purpose of banking amniotic fluid.
Source
Health Watch: Amniotic Fluid Banking: MyFoxATLANTA.com
The research is still in its early stages, but some mothers have already started banking amniotic fluid.
Researchers say they don't believe that amniotic stem cells will replace the need for embryonic stem cells.
They say there is growing evidence that there is a spectrum of cell types, from fetal stems cells to embryonic to adult stem cells that can be used to benefit different health conditions. The stem cells contained in amniotic fluid are multifunctional and can grow into many different organs and tissues. Research shows that these stem cells could be used to repair cartilage in the knee, heal wounds or grow heart valves. There are 160 human clinical trials around the world evaluating cells similar to the ones found in amniotic fluid, and researchers predict innovations to continue.
"Amniotic fluid banking is the latest advance in stem cell preservation. Research with these stem cells is leading to significant medical discoveries, and the only way to take advantage is to plan ahead and preserve now," says Dr. Kate Torchilin, PhD, CEO of Biocell Center. "Additionally, a little bit of fluid can be easily collected during prenatal tests throughout pregnancy."
Amniocentesis is not a risk-free procedure.
So for now, doctors don't recommend getting one just for the purpose of banking amniotic fluid.
Source