Journal of Cell Science & Therapy
Open Access

Human amniotic fluid stem cells from third trimester cultured under hypoxia and endothelial differentiation: In vitro and in vivo study

4^th World Congress on Cell Science & Stem Cell Research

June 24-26, 2014 Valencia Conference Centre, Valencia, Spain

Pozzobon M, Schiavo A A, Franzin C, Piccoli M, Spiro G, Urbani L, Bertin E, Albiero M4, Visentin S, Cosmi E, Fadini G P and De Coppi P

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Cell Sci Ther

Abstract :

H uman amniotic fluid stem (hAFS) cells represent an attractive cell source in regenerative medicine since their ability to differentiate in different cell types. In particular, in this work we aimed at further investigating this potential both in vitro and in vivo, in relation to gestation trimester and culture oxygen condition. Human amniotic fluids were collected during routine amniocentesis (2 nd trimester) and eligible caesarean sections (3 rd trimester), after informed consent. Fresh cells were plated, later adherent cells were positively selected for CD117 and resulting hAFS cells were further expanded both in normoxia (20% O 2 ) and hypoxia (5% O 2 ). Human AFS cells from both gestation trimesters cultured in normoxia and hypoxia did not shown significant differences in surface marker expression and cell cycle stages (flow cytometry analysis), but the proliferation rate was significantly higher at 5% O 2 for both 2 nd and 3 rd trimester. Independently from trimester and oxygen pressure, hAFS cells displayed a clear endothelial capacity both in vitro , and in vivo , after Matrigel plug assay and local injection in a mouse model of acute ischemia, where hAFS cells were able to rescue the blood flow. Interestingly, hAFS cells expressed even before endothelial induction the ETS factors ETV2, FLI1 and ERG1, which represent three master regulators of the endothelial molecular program. The endothelial dysfunction represent one of the major health problem since reduced vasodilation start a protrombic state associated with diabetes, renal and heart failure. Here we reported the clear endothelial regenerative potential of hAFS cells, in particular regarding cells obtained from the 3 rd trimester of gestation and cultured at 5% O , conditions that could ensure an easier recovery and a faster expansion before therapeutic application.