The debate over stem cells may be nearing an end. Scientists reported earlier in January that they found a new source for human stem cells — stem cells that are easier to collect AND come without the ethical issues we’ve seen concerning embryonic stem cells.
So where do these new stem cells come from? They are found in amniotic fluid — the liquid that surrounds a baby in the womb. Stem cells found in amniotic fluid can be collected at the same time amniocentesis is done, with very little risk to mother or child. And the cells can theoretically be harvested at any time during the pregnancy and even for a short time after the child is born.
What’s so special about stem cells? These cells have the capacity to develop into many different types of cells, including bone, fat, nerve, and muscle cells. Stem cells are self-renewing and can double in number every thirty-six hours. Researchers hope that in the potential of stem cells, there is a potential treatment or cure for many diseases. With the amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (also known as AFS cells), researchers may have access to a stem cell source that has no ethical or political issues attached.
Only one percent of the cells shed from the developing child in the womb are the “right” kind of cells — pluripotent stem cells that can develop into many different types of cell.
Researchers took the AFS cells and implanted them into mice with a degenerative brain disease. The implanted stem cells repopulated the diseased parts of the brain over time! AFS cells were also used to grow bone tissue and liver tissue in mice. Human studies have yet to start; we are a long way away from seeing AFS cells available for treating the general population.
In theory, just one hundred thousand amniotic stem cell samples could grow into enough to supply nearly all of the United States with stem cells for transplantation.
Read more about banking your baby’s cord blood. Why? Because cord blood contains stem cells.