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Updated: Mar 25, 2026
Isolation and Characterization of Human Umbilical Cord-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Preterm and Term Infants
Published on: January 26, 2019
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells-a key mediator for regeneration after perinatal morbidity?
Martin Mueller1,2, Tim G A Wolfs3,4, Andreina Schoeberlein5
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. martin.mueller@insel.ch.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) show promise for treating neonatal brain and lung injuries caused by perinatal complications. Research is exploring MSCs
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Regenerative Medicine
- Pediatric Pulmonology
Background:
- Perinatal complications cause significant neonatal morbidity and mortality.
- Brain injury and bronchopulmonary dysplasia are devastating long-term morbidities in neonates.
- Current therapies for these conditions are limited, necessitating novel treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology of perinatal brain and lung injuries in neonates.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) for these conditions.
- To summarize preclinical and clinical evidence supporting MSC therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on perinatal brain and lung injuries.
- Analysis of studies investigating mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) mechanisms and effects.
- Synthesis of preclinical and clinical trial data on MSCs in neonatal contexts.
Main Results:
- Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) demonstrate protective effects in preclinical models.
- MSCs possess diverse therapeutic mechanisms including immunomodulation and growth factor release.
- Evidence suggests MSCs are a viable therapeutic candidate for neonatal brain and lung morbidities.
Conclusions:
- Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) offer a promising therapeutic avenue for neonates with brain and lung injuries.
- Further research and clinical trials are warranted to establish MSC efficacy and safety.
- The accessibility and multifaceted action of MSCs make them attractive for neonatal intensive care units.
Abstract:
Perinatal complications in both term- and preterm-born infants are a leading cause of neonatal morbidities and mortality. Infants face different challenges in the neonatal intensive care unit with long-term morbidities such as perinatal brain injury and bronchopulmonary dysplasia being particularly devastating. While advances in perinatal medicine have improved our understanding of the pathogenesis, effective therapies to prevent and/or reduce the severity of these disorders are still lacking. The potential of mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) therapy has emerged during the last two decades, and an increasing effort is conducted to address brain- and lung-related morbidities in neonates at risk. Various studies support the notion that MSCs have protective effects. MSCs are an easy source and may be readily available after birth in a clinical setting. MSCs' mechanisms of action are diverse, including migration and homing, release of growth factors and immunomodulation, and the potential to replace injured cells. Here, we review the pathophysiology of perinatally acquired brain and lung injuries and focus on MSCs as potential candidates for therapeutic strategies summarizing preclinical and clinical evidence.
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