“Latest Stem Cells News”

Stem cells found in the amniotic liquid represent new hopes to treat diseases. For the 13th World Congress on Human Reproduction, which is taking place in Venice, Biocell and Toma, two companies based in the Lombardy region active in the field of prenatal diagnosis and biotechnology, today are presenting the results of research conducted by their scientific staff entitled “Characterization and cryoconservation of mesenchymal stem cells from the amniotic liquid”.

“Every day the amniotic liquid reveals its potential as a source of mesenchymal stem cells, creating increasing interest in the field of regenerative medicine,” said Professor Simoni, the Scientific Director of Biocell Center. “Stem cells in the amniotic liquid are multipotent, very young, and able to differentiate into various tissues.

They open possibilities for scientific and medical applications that have been unknown until now. They are already immediately a reality for reconstructive medicine, and an enormous hope in the treatment of many terrible illnesses such as degenerative diseases.” “Stem cells from the amniotic liquid offer more in terms of their high level of differentiation and proliferation, and furthermore, what could be more important, they have no implications from an ethical standpoint,” was the comment of Dr. Massimiliano Manganini, the Director of the Biocell Center Laboratory. “They have characteristics that are similar to embryonic stem cells, but their removal does not damage the embryo.”

“Furthermore,” underlined Doctor Francesca Grati of the Toma Laboratory, given their increased capacity to reproduce, there is no ethical dilemma between donation and conservation for one’s own use, rather, family members who are compatible can take advantage of cells of the unborn child. Our study demonstrates that the high degree of proliferation guarantees cell division of up to 250 times.” “These cells,” underlined Professor Fabio Ghezzi, Gynecology teacher at the University of Insubria, “can be derived from the residual sample of the amniotic liquid, which is already removed to perform amniocentesis without modifying the normal procedure used by gynecologists.”

Biocell Center offers a conservation service for the residual sample of the amniotic liquid containing stem cells, guaranteeing the safety of this biological asset, which is unique and irreplaceable. The service is offered below cost at less than 1,000 euros for 20 years of cryoconservation, and is intended for pregnant women who have already decided to have amniocentesis for other reasons.