Gaoan Biotechnology, 17 June 2022, 04:00
As regenerative medicine advances, stem cells are becoming increasingly familiar to the general public. Many countries are now investing heavily in stem cell research, and that research is producing impressive results — particularly in the treatment of complex conditions such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)
Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent cells isolated from adult and fetal tissues; they are adherent and resemble fibroblasts. These cells have a unique ability to travel towards damaged tissue (known as “homing”) and to take part in its repair. MSCs are found in bone marrow, adipose tissue, the liver, the umbilical cord and the placenta. However, MSCs obtained from different sources may differ in their molecular markers, the factors they secrete, their mechanisms of action and their therapeutic effect.
Comparing MSCs from the umbilical cord and the placenta
The placenta is a vital organ for the exchange of substances between mother and fetus, formed during pregnancy. It consists of three layers: the chorionic plate on the fetal side, the middle section with villi and spaces filled with maternal blood, and the basal plate on the maternal side. The mesenchymal stem cells of the placenta are found in the basal decidua (the maternal part of the placenta).
The umbilical cord is the connection between the fetus and the placenta, and looks like a smooth cord. It contains connective tissue, one umbilical vein and two umbilical arteries. The mesenchymal stem cells of the umbilical cord are known as umbilical cord MSCs.
Comparing the properties of placental and umbilical cord MSCs
1. Proliferation and self-renewal
MSCs from both the placenta and the umbilical cord have a high capacity for self-renewal and proliferation, which is why they are so widely studied. Umbilical cord MSCs, however, divide and renew themselves more readily than placental MSCs.
2. Differentiation and factor secretion
Studies have shown that umbilical cord MSCs secrete more factors that promote epithelial growth, whereas placental MSCs secrete more factors that promote the growth of blood vessels and stem cells. This makes umbilical cord MSCs more promising for wound healing, and placental MSCs more promising for treating vascular disease.
3. Tissue regeneration
Umbilical cord MSCs have shown a better capacity to form fat cells, which makes them preferable for conditions involving adipose tissue, such as hair loss. Placental MSCs, in turn, are better at forming bone tissue, which makes them promising for the treatment of bone defects.
Conclusions
The therapeutic potential of MSCs depends on their origin. MSCs from tissues obtained during the perinatal period have advantages in proliferation and immune regulation compared with cells from an adult organism. Umbilical cord MSCs show a better capacity for adipogenic differentiation, and placental MSCs for osteogenic differentiation. Umbilical cord MSCs may be more effective in wound healing, while placental MSCs may be more effective in vascular repair and the treatment of vascular disease.
References
- Juan-juan L, You-wei W, Feng-xia M, et al. A comparison of umbilical cord and placental MSCs in the treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease. 2017.
- Gang W, Dong-sheng L, Yu-tao G, et al. A comparative study of the biological characteristics of MSCs from two different sources. 2018.
- Shu-can Z, Zhi-sheng C. A comparison of migration and immune characteristics. 2018.
