title: A Mini Overview of Isolation, Characterization and Application of Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells.
abstract: Amniotic fluid represents rich sources of stem cells that can be used in treatments for a wide range of diseases. Amniotic fluid- stem cells have properties intermediate between embryonic and adult mesenchymal stem cells which make them particularly attractive for cellular regeneration and tissue engineering. Furthermore, scientists are interested in these cells because they come from the amniotic fluid that is routinely discarded after birth. In this review we give a brief introduction of amniotic fluid followed by a description of the cells present within this fluid and aim to summarize the all existing isolation methods, culturing, characterization and application of these cells. Finally, we elaborate on the differentiation and potential for these cells to promote regeneration of various tissue defects, including fetal tissue, the nervous system, heart, lungs, kidneys, bones, and cartilage in the form of table.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Shiva
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gholizadeh-Ghalehaziz
authors.affiliation: Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Raheleh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Farahzadi
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Ezzatollah
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fathi
authors.affiliation: Department of Reproductive Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pashaiasl
keywords: Amniotic fluid; Amniotic fluid- stem cells; Differentiation; Isolation; Tissue engineering