Amnion Epithelial Cells as a Candidate Therapy for Acute and Chronic Lung Injury. (11th April 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hodges, Ryan J.; Lim, Rebecca; Jenkin, Graham; Wallace, Euan M.
• Other Names: Hengstschläger Markus Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Stem cells international. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-04-11
• Subjects: Stem Cells -- Periodicals; Stem Cells -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; Stem Cells -- Transplantation -- Periodicals; 616.0277405
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/709763
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-966X

Abstract

Abstract : Acute and chronic lung injury represents a major and growing global burden of disease. For many of these lung diseases, the damage is irreparable, exhausting the host's ability to regenerate new lung, and current therapies are simply supportive rather than restorative. Cell-based therapies offer the promise of tissue regeneration for many organs. In this paper, we examine the potential application of amnion epithelial cells, derived from the term placenta, to lung regeneration. We discuss their unique properties of plasticity and immunomodulation, reviewing the experimental evidence that amnion epithelial cells can prevent and repair lung injury, offering the potential to be applied to both neonatal, childhood, and adult lung disease. It is amazing to suggest that the placenta may offer renewed life after birth as well as securing new life before.