Fetal Tissues

Ryan P. Dorin, Chester J. Koh

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The use of stem cells derived from fetal tissues has evolved significantly in regenerative medicine applications for many organ systems. Fetal stem cells are investigated for neuroregenerative applications, especially in the case of Parkinson's disease. For lung tissue engineering, pulmonary cell replacement therapeutics is employed for treating respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Fetal stem cells are utilized in a variety of techniques aimed at regeneration and repair, including cell injection therapy, tissue engineering, and modulation of the inflammatory response to injury. The scarcity of donor livers and the risk of complications associated with liver transplantation have created the need for alternative methods of liver regeneration. Fetal tissues might provide viable alternative methods of hepatic tissue replacement. The transplantation of mature hepatocytes into diseased livers might provide regenerative capacity, but adult hepatocytes are limited by their ability to grow in culture and by concerns of immunogenicity. Fetal liver cells are readily grown in culture and display a more versatile differentiation potential. Human umbilical cord blood (UCB) is regarded as a possible cell source for muscle tissue engineering because of its hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic (mesenchymal) potential. Human UCB stem cells are utilized extensively in the treatment of pediatric patients with hematological malignancies. Fetal pancreatic tissue is a possible cell source for islet replacement therapy in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPrinciples of Regenerative Medicine
PublisherElsevier
Pages819-832
Number of pages14
ISBN (Print)9780123814227
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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