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Human Amniotic Fluid Stem Cell-mediated Biomechanical Restoration of Urinary Continence in Rats
Shing-Hwa Lu1,2,3, Shiaw-Min Hwang4, Navneet Kumar Dubey5,6
1Department of Urology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, No. 252, Wu-Xing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan. shlu77777@gmail.com.
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
|April 8, 2026
Summary
Human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs) show promise for treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI). These cells improved urethral sphincter function and bladder tissue regeneration in rats, suggesting a new regenerative therapy for SUI.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Urology
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) affects millions globally, stemming from pelvic floor muscle weakness and urethral sphincter dysfunction.
- Current non-surgical treatments for SUI are limited, with no consensus on optimal stem cell sources for regenerative therapy.
- Molecular mechanisms of stem cell-mediated external urethral sphincter (EUS) regeneration remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regenerative and reparative potential of clinical-grade human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs) for treating SUI.
- To explore hAFSCs as a novel therapeutic approach for SUI.
- To assess the efficacy of hAFSCs in a rat model of SUI.
Main Methods:
- Human amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) were characterized for immunophenotype, multi-differentiation potential, and secretome.
- A rat model of SUI was established via pudendal nerve injury.
- hAFSCs were administered into the external urethral sphincter of SUI-induced rats, with control groups including sham, UI, and phosphate buffer saline.
Main Results:
- hAFSCs demonstrated trilineage potential and expressed neuronal markers (Nestin, Tuj-1, MAP2, GFAP).
- hAFSC treatment significantly improved leak point pressure, intercontractile interval, and muscle cell proliferation (p < 0.01).
- hAFSCs promoted bladder tissue regeneration, reducing ulceration and edema, and expressed myogenic markers (Myf5, Myogenin, MyoD).
- Elevated levels of VEGF, IL-8, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were observed in hAFSCs; no off-target trafficking was detected.
Conclusions:
- hAFSCs exhibit significant potential as a novel therapy for SUI.
- Further clinical trials are necessary to optimize dosage, assess long-term efficacy, and address scalability and safety.
- This study provides a foundation for translating hAFSC-based regenerative therapy for SUI into clinical practice.
