Generation of an osteogenic graft from human placenta and placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells

The objective of the study was to determine the feasibility of generating a biodegradable, stem cell-loaded osteogenic composite graft from human placenta. Initially, a scaffold from human chorion membrane was produced. Human placenta mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from either first-trimester chorionic villi or term chorion membrane were differentiated osteogenically on this scaffold. Outgrowth, adherence, and osteogenic differentiation of cells were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), scanning electron microscopy, protein expression, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Our results showed that a cell-free extracellular matrix scaffold can be generated from human chorion. Seeded MSCs densely adhered to that scaffold and were osteogenically differentiated. Calcium and alkaline phosphatase were detected in the cell-scaffold constructs as a proof of mineralization and findings were confirmed by IHC and RT-PCR results. This study shows for the first time that generation of an osteogenic composite graft using placental tissue is feasible. It might allow therapeutic application of autologous or allogeneic grafts in congenital skeletal defects by means of a composite graft.

Neurogenic characteristics of placental stem cells in preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is associated with perinatal brain injury. Autologous placenta stem cell transplantation represents a promising future treatment option for neuroregeneration. The aim of this study was to compare the neuroregenerative capacity of preeclampsia-placenta stem cells to previously characterized placentas from uncomplicated pregnancies.

Recruitment of platelets, white blood cells, and hematopoietic progenitor cells during high-yield plateletpheresis

Previous observations suggested recruitment of platelets (PLTs) and white blood cells (WBCs) during plateletpheresis and recruitment of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) by HPC apheresis. Quantification of recruitment helps to optimize yields and safety of these procedures; detection of WBC or HPC recruitment during plateletpheresis may further elucidate the mechanisms.

Homing of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells after perinatal intracerebral transplantation in a rat model

The aim of this study is to assess early homing of placenta-derived stem cells after perinatal intracerebral transplantation in rats.