Upcycling umbilical cords: bridging regenerative medicine with neonatology

Abstract

Preterm birth is a major health concern that affects 10% of all worldwide deliveries. Many preterm infants are discharged from the hospital with morbidities that lead to an increased risk for neurodevelopmental impairment, recurrent hospitalizations, and life-long conditions. Unfortunately, the treatment of these conditions is palliative rather than curative, which calls for novel and innovative strategies. Progress in regenerative medicine has offered therapeutic options for many of these conditions. Specifically, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and cord blood (UCB) cells have shown promise in treating adult-onset diseases. Unlike bone-marrow and embryonic derived stem cells, umbilical cord-derived cells are easily and humanely obtained, have low immunogenicity, and offer the potential of autologous therapy. While there are several studies to uphold the efficacy of umbilical cord MSCs in adult therapies, there remains an unmet need for the investigation of its use in treating neonates. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of current information on the potential therapeutic benefits and clinical applicability of umbilical cord MSCs and UCB cells. Promising preclinical studies have now led to a research movement that is focusing on cell-based therapies for preterm infants.

Keywords:

• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
• hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
• mesenchymal stem cells
• umbilical cord blood

Disclosure statement

In accordance with Taylor & Francis policy and my ethical obligation as a researcher, I am reporting that A. Moreira was supported by a grant from the NIH KL2 TR001118. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.

Additional information

Funding

The project described was supported by the National Institutes of Health, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, through grant KL2 TR001118. This study was also supported by the University of Texas Health San Antonio School of Medicine Clinical Investigator Kickstart Pilot Grant.