Grant Will Study Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells’ Potential to Treat Alport Syndrome

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Boston, MA, June 14, 2011 — June is Kidney Awareness Month and the recent news that the Alport Syndrome Foundation awarded a $100,000 grant to examine the use of amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSC) as it relates to Alport Syndrome. is a great way to start this month. Alport syndrome is a disease that affects the kidneys and can result in renal failure. According to a recent news release, Dr. Laura Perin, MD, of the Saban Research Institute at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, will spearhead the research to examine how amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSC) “modulate the molecular mechanisms that reverse interstitial fibrosis,” the foundation said.

Dr. Perin recently discovered evidence suggesting that a single injection of AFSCs has the capacity to reduce fibrosis, accompanied with an overall improvement of renal function and lifespan in mice. Understanding how AFSCs behave in an in vivo environment will strengthen the foundation for translating this stem cell research into viable clinical therapies for the future and could significantly delay or prevent End Stage Renal Failure in Alport Syndrome patients, the foundation noted. AFSCs are readily available via routine antenatal testing, or amniocenteses.

Amniotic fluid has emerged as one of the most attractive sources of mesenchymal stem cells with broad utility for stem cell therapy development and treatment. There are 160 human clinical trials around the world evaluating cells similar to the ones found in amniotic fluid, and researchers predict innovations to continue. The stem cells contained in amniotic fluid are multifunctional and can grow into many different organs and tissues.

The recent discovery by Dr. Perin underscores the importance and impact of innovative companies like Biocell Center, the nation’s leading private tissue bank offering pregnant women the opportunity to preserve stem cells contained in the amniotic fluid during prenatal testing.

“Amniotic fluid banking is the latest advance in stem cell preservation. Research with these stem cells is leading to significant medical discoveries, and the only way to take advantage is to plan ahead and preserve now,” says Dr. Kate Torchilin, PhD, CEO of Biocell Center. “Additionally, a little bit of fluid can be easily collected during prenatal tests throughout pregnancy.”

Amniotic fluid preservation has been widely available in Europe for years, and is rapidly gaining traction in the US. Families are banking amniotic fluid now, from Hawaii to Massachusetts in order to give their child as a many options as possible for the future.

Other press releases from GCI Health

• Successful Transplant of Trachea Grown From Patient’s Own Cells - July 13th, 2011
• Scientists create kidneys from amniotic fluid stem cells - April 18th, 2011
• Biocell Center Attends American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine Annual Convention - April 16th, 2011
• Boston Children’s Hospitals’ Dr. Dario Fauza Addresses Congress of Perinatal Medicine in Italy - April 13th, 2011
• Study Confirms Third Trimester Amniotic Fluid As Reliable Stem Cell Source for Use in Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Banking - February 16th, 2011