Abstract
First described in 2004, endometrial stem cells (EnSCs) are adult stem cells isolated from the endometrial tissue. EnSCs comprise of a population of epithelial stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and side population stem cells. When secreted in the menstrual blood, they are termed menstrual stem cells or endometrial regenerative cells. Mounting evidence suggests that EnSCs can be utilized in regenerative medicine. EnSCs can be used as immuno-modulatory agents to attenuate inflammation, are implicated in angiogenesis and vascularization during tissue regeneration, and can also be reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells. Furthermore, EnSCs can be used in tissue engineering applications and there are several clinical trials currently in place to ascertain the therapeutic potential of EnSCs. This review highlights the progress made in EnSC research, describing their mesodermal, ectodermal, and endodermal potentials both in vitro and in vivo.
Highlights
Cells in the earliest developmental stages in the embryo can generate embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues [1]
Noninvasive harvesting of endometrial stem cells (EnSCs) would not be possible from post-menopausal women
The issue of EnSCs storage could develop into the same debates we are facing regarding the storage of cord blood; is there enough scientific evidence to justify storage of EnSCs for future use?
Summary
Cells in the earliest developmental stages in the embryo can generate embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues [1]. It was observed that a significantly larger reduction in infarct area was seen in animals treated with EnSCs, compared to control bone marrow MSCs. Gargett et al, the first group that reported the existence of EnSCs in 2004 [21], are currently developing an autologous tissue engineered scaffold using artificial meshes and EnSCs for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, and was tested in vivo, on an animal skin wound repair model [84,85]. It can be envisioned that data from human patients would be available in due course to evaluate the clinical impact of EnSCs. In conclusion, the discovery of EnSCs represents a paradigm shift for the use of adult stem cells by offering an “off the shelf” therapeutic application regenerative medicine. Author details 1Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), London NW3 2QG, UK. 2Applied Cell Sciences Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 3UCL Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, UK. 4Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, London, UK
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
