Clinical Use of Amniotic Fluid in Osteoarthritis: A Source of Cell Therapy

Abstract

Nature is the finest physician: it takes care of everyone because its concerns are universal and genuine; however, it always follows certain guidelines and principles and scientists can learn from these. Giving birth is an act of nature through which the realm of creation is opened to the mother. Nature comes from the Latin word Natus, “to be born.” During birth, if nothing is present, what will prevent infection from affecting the newly born baby? Nature’s concern can be seen when the vagina is washed, prior to birth, by a fine baby-friendly liquid containing cell suspension and antibacterial elements, which gives it a disinfectant property; it also possesses lubricant and cell therapy properties that are crucial for the mother and the child at the critical time of birth. This fluid is known as the amniotic fluid. So far, no one appears to have used this fluid for any therapeutic purpose for more than 70 years in the practice of modern medicine. However, there has been some recent awareness about amniotic fluid as a source of mesenchymal stem cells, which can be converted into any cell type given the niche or the environment for its transdifferentiation property, the implication being that it can help in regeneration in a degenerating system.