Stem cells hope for newborn intestinal condition

STEM cells taken from amniotic fluid could offer a way to ­reverse potentially lethal intestinal ­damage in newborn babies.

In laboratory experiments, scientists used the cells to restore gut structure and function in rats. The same technique could pave the way for new treatments for the baby condition necrotising enterocolitis (NEC).

NEC is the most common gastrointestinal emergency affecting newborns, with death rates of 15 per cent to 30 per cent in the UK. Once the condition sets in, no options are currently available other than surgery. Some babies end up having to undergo intestinal transplants.

The new research involved injecting rats with NEC with amniotic fluid stem (AFS) cells.

A week later, the animals showed significantly higher survival rates than rats not given the stem cell treatment.

Examination of their guts showed inflammation to be greatly reduced, and signs that the intestine was repairing itself.

Dr Paolo De Coppi, from University College London’s Institute of Child Health, who led the study, said: “Stem cells are well known to have anti-inflammatory effects, but this is the first time we have shown that amniotic fluid stem cells can repair damage in the intestines.”