Human amniotic epithelial stem cells: Hepatic differentiation and regenerative properties in liver disease treatment

RIEDEL, RODRIGO N.; PÉREZ-PÉREZ, ANTONIO; SÁNCHEZ-MARGALET, VÍCTOR; VARONE, CECILIA L.; MAYMÓ, JULIETA L.

PLACENTA

W B SAUNDERS CO LTD

Año: 2023 vol. 134 p. 39 - 47

0143-4004

The placenta and the extraembryonic tissues represent a valuable source of cells for regenerative medicine. Inparticular, the amniotic membrane possesses cells with stem cells characteristics that have attracted researchattention. Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) have unique and desirable features that position them overother stem cells, not only because of the unlimited potential supplied of, the easy access to placental tissues, andthe minimal ethical and legal barriers associated, but also due to the embryonic stem cells markers expressionand their ability to differentiate into the three germ layers. In addition, they are non-tumorigenic and haveimmunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Hepatic failure is one of the major causes of morbidityand mortality worldwide. Organ transplantation is the best way to treat acute and chronic liver failure, but thereare several associated obstacles. Stem cells have been highlighted as alternative hepatocytes source because oftheir potential for hepatogenic differentiation. HAECs, in particular, have some properties that make themsuitable for hepatocyte differentiation. In this work, we review the general characteristics of the epithelial stemcells isolated from human amniotic membrane as well as their ability to differentiate to hepatic cells. We alsorevise their regenerative properties, with the focus on their potential application in the liver disease treatment.